In Weld County, when a victim is targeted for harassment or injury because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or gender identity, it can be considered a Bias Motivated Crime. This type of crime is often referred to as a “Hate Crime.” Recently in Denver, a Bruins fan who was at the Avalanche game was approached by three Avalanche fans saying slurs towards him. He then was allegedly hit and kicked while more slurs and expletives were said to him. If this had happened in Weld County or Greeley, then the men would most likely face a Bias Motivated Crime charge along with other charges. Below, the experienced attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office will explain what you need to know about Weld County Bias Motived Crimes If you are facing a Bias Motivated Crime in Fort Collins, you can get help by going here.
What is the Definition of Bias Motivated Crime, C.R.S. 18-9-121, in Greeley, Colorado?
The Greeley definition of Bias Motivated Crimes, C.R.S. 18-9-121, is:
(a) Knowingly causes bodily injury to another person; or
(b) By words or conduct, knowingly places another person in fear of imminent lawless action directed at that person or that person’s property and such words or conduct are likely to produce bodily injury to that person or damage to that person’s property; or
(c) Knowingly causes damage to or destruction of the property of another person.
In the above story, if the Avalanche fans caused injury to the victim because of his race, or sexual orientation. Depending on the slurs that were said, the fans could face a Bias Motivated Crime charge.
Examples of Hate Crimes or Bias Motivated Crimes in the Weld County
Examples of Weld County Hate Crimes or Bias Motivated Crimes:
- Harassing a woman because she is wearing a traditional religious head covering
- Graffitiing a person’s car with racial slurs
- Not allowing a person to shop in a store because they have a metal disability
- Following and intimidating a person because they are homosexual or gay
- Physically hurting someone or threatening to, because of one of these characteristics
Greeley, Colorado Punishment and Sentence for a Bias Motivated Crime
In Greeley, if you are convicted of a Bias Motivated Crime the punishment is determined by the crime that was committed with it. A Bias Motivated Crime is a sentence enhancer, which means that if convicted, the punishment and sentence are more severe than the original crime. In the example above, the fans would face an enhanced sentence for Assault. For more information on Sentence Enhancers go here for help.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a Weld County Bias-Motivated Crimes Sentence Enhancer, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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