Hate Crimes

A hate crime is the criminal act of using violence or threats of violence against another person due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, religious beliefs, or disabilities.  People who commit hate crimes generally target a group of people, and they may use violence or threats of violence to intimidate the group of people.  Hate crime offenders may also use weapons against people or destroy people’s property.  When people are arrested for hate crimes, their criminal charges will depend upon:  their prior criminal history, if they have committed prior violent crime offenses, if they used a weapon, if people sustained bodily injuries during the crime, and the extent of the other people’s injuries.

Hate crimes are categorized as violent crimes.  A violent crime is a criminal act involving the threat or use of force/violence.  In most violent crime cases, violence is used as a means to an end, meaning people use violence to obtain a certain outcome.  In the state of Florida, violent crimes can be categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.  However, all violent crimes involve harsh legal consequences if people are convicted of them.

Like all violent crime cases, hate crimes cases are always vigorously prosecuted by Florida law enforcement.  District attorneys are eager to obtain convictions for hate crime offenses.  Once a person is convicted of a hate crime, he/she may have to spend time in jail or prison, pay fines, or be placed on probation.  The legal penalties are very severe.  For this reason, it is always a good idea for people to hire an experienced violent crimes attorney when they have been charged with hate crimes.

Tampa Bay Violent Crime Law Firm
Thomas & Paulk, P.A – Hate Crime Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a hate crime in Tampa Bay or Hillsborough County, it is imperative that you retain the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney.  Hate crime cases can be very difficult to litigate and will always be vigorously pursued by law enforcement.  Without the help of a skilled Tampa Bay violent crimes attorney, you stand little chance of obtaining a winning outcome in or out of court.  This is why it is important that you have an experienced defense lawyer on your side.

Thomas & Paulk, P.A. is a Tampa Bay law firm that is proud to help clients contest their Florida hate crime charges.  At Thomas & Paulk, our skilled criminal defense lawyers have over 20 years cumulative experience.  Our team is comprised of attorneys who have successfully fought a vast array of misdemeanor and felony violent crime cases throughout Florida.  Our firm will always do everything we can to ensure that our clients receive aggressive legal representation and reliable advice. 

If you have been charged with hate crimes in Tampa Bay or a surrounding area, contact our law firm today for your initial consultation. 

Contact us about your violent crime case today!