Fort Lauderdale Hate Crime Defense Lawyer
How are hate crimes defined under Florida law?
Hate crimes can be violent offenses that are added as an additional charge
to other serious charges like
battery, arson or
assault. However, hate crimes do not always have to be violent. A hate crime can
be a verbal harassment, assault or vandalism of another person for one
of the reasons listed below. The government does not tolerate hate crimes,
which is why the state of Florida has enacted severe penalties for anyone
who is convicted of such an offense.
You could face hate crime charges if you victimized someone based on:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender
- Age
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Political affiliation
If you have been charged with a hate crime, learn about your options. A
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Parks & Braxton, PA can
provide you with exceptional legal counsel that is suited to your unique
situation. Hate crimes can be an uphill battle and are extremely complex
to defend, but our firm has the knowledge you need to take on this challenge.
With over four decades of combined legal experience, we know how to build
a successful defense.
How Your Charges Could be Reclassified
Hate crimes can result in serious penalties, and you may even be sentenced
to life imprisonment if a person dies because of your actions. In order
for you to be convicted of a hate crime, however, the prosecution must
be able to prove that you were motivated by hate. Take your future into
your own hands and call our firm for the aggressive defense you deserve.
Parks & Braxton, PA will be vigilant in pursuing every strategy that
could be effective in your case.
Per Florida Code § 775.085, hate crimes can be reclassified as follows:
- A second degree misdemeanor becomes a first degree misdemeanor
- A first degree misdemeanor becomes a third degree felony
- A third degree felony becomes a second degree felony
- A second degree felony becomes a first degree felony
- A first degree felony becomes a life felony
Possible Defenses to Your Hate Crime Charge
If you have been charged with a hate crime in Fort Lauderdale, it is important
to understand that there are a number of defenses that can be utilized
on your behalf. Even if there is a substantial amount of evidence against
you, you should not plead guilty or accept a
plea bargain until you have had the chance to speak with a legal professional. Hate
crimes are unique in that the prosecution must be able to prove that your
actions were motivated by hate or prejudice.
In order to combat your hate crime charges, your lawyer may show that:
- There is insufficient evidence against you
- You are the victim of mistaken identity
- Your actions were not motivated by hate
With the help of an experienced criminal attorney from Parks & Braxton,
PA, you can fight to ensure that your freedom and reputation are restored.
Our team has tried hundreds of jury trials, defended thousands of clients
in criminal court and secured a number of victories. If you are interested
in speaking with a legal professional at our firm, we encourage you to
call now. We are available to our clients 24/7, and we even offer a
free initial consultation to get you started.