Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Brooklyn Hate Crime Lawyers: Your Guide to Legal Defense Against Hate Crimes

A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you motivated by bias or prejudice. According to New York Penal Code §485, a person commits a hate crime when they commit a specified offense and either:

• Intentionally select the person against whom the offense is committed in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct.
• Intentionally commit the act or acts constituting the offense in whole or in substantial part because of such belief or perception.

Common hate crime charges in Brooklyn include assault, harassment, menacing, and vandalism. But any crime can become a hate crime if its motivated by bias.

Why You Need a Brooklyn Hate Crime Lawyer

Hate crime charges are serious with harsh penalties. If convicted, you may face increased fines, probation, or jail time. You could even face felony charges versus misdemeanor charges for the same act without the hate crime enhancement. And if your on probation or parole, a new conviction could mean going back to jail.

Having an experienced Brooklyn hate crime lawyer on your side can mean the difference between a dismissal, reduced charges, or even an acquittal versus a conviction that follows you for life. An attorney knows how to examine the evidence, challenge witness credibility, and argue against bias motivation to either beat the charges or reduce the penalties. Don’t go it alone against the power of the state – let a lawyer defend your rights.

Brooklyn Hate Crime Defense Strategies

There are many strategies a skilled lawyer can use to defend against hate crime accusations, such as:

Fight the Underlying Charges

Before the hate crime enhancement can stick, the prosecution must first prove you committed the underlying criminal act. If your lawyer can get the assault, vandalism, or other charges dismissed or beat at trial, the hate crime goes away too.

Argue Against Bias Motivation

The prosecution must also prove beyond a reasonable doubt that bias motivated the crime. But bias is hard to prove definitively, and there may be other plausible explanations. An experienced attorney will closely examine the evidence to show other possible motivations.

Challenge Improper Police Conduct

If police violated your rights in any way during the investigation, like through improper searches or coercion to get a confession, a lawyer can get damaging evidence thrown out. This often weakens the prosecution’s case.

Finding the Best Hate Crime Lawyer in Brooklyn

When facing a hate crime charge, you want the most experienced and aggressive lawyer possible. Look for someone with a proven record of getting hate crime cases dismissed or charges reduced. Consider:

• Exclusively criminal defense – You want a lawyer focused solely on criminal defense, not a general practice attorney.
• Courtroom litigation experience – Look for lots of practice taking cases to trial, not just plea deals.
• Knowledge of local courts and prosecutors – Familiarity with Brooklyn specifics is invaluable.
• Reputation for relentless defense – Find a lawyer local prosecutors dread facing in court.

Also, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the lawyer you choose. You need someone willing to aggressively defend you and fight the charges 100%.

Cost may also be a factor, as skilled defense lawyers aren’t cheap. But don’t let money override getting the best representation possible – it’s your life and future at stake. Also, many lawyers offer payment plans to help spread defense costs over time.

The Bottom Line

Hate crime charges can ruin lives and futures. But an experienced Brooklyn hate crime lawyer can stand up to the accusations and protect your rights and freedom. Don’t leave your defense to chance – get the representation you deserve.

At the Law Offices of James S. Greenberg, we’ve successfully defended hundreds of clients against hate crime allegations. Call us for dedicated legal representation. Consultations are confidential and affordable. We handle cases throughout Brooklyn and never back down from a fight. Don’t wait, contact our office today to schedule your free case evaluation.

References

New York Penal Code §485

NYC Hate Crime Penalties

Brooklyn Criminal Court Hate Crimes Part