hate crime

In one sentence

A crime motivated by prejudice against a person's race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic.

Plain English

A hate crime is an offense where the perpetrator's motivation is bias or prejudice against the victim based on their identity—such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. Hate crime laws enhance penalties for crimes that are already illegal, making them more serious offenses. Prosecutors must prove not only that the crime occurred but also that it was motivated by bias against a protected characteristic. Hate crime statutes exist at both federal and state levels, with varying definitions and penalties.

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Example

A man attacks another man because of his sexual orientation, causing serious injury. The assault is prosecuted as a hate crime rather than simple assault, resulting in a significantly longer prison sentence due to the bias motivation.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was convicted of a hate crime for vandalizing the synagogue with anti-Semitic graffiti.”

Related terms

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

defendant

The person accused of a crime in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.

aggravated battery

A more serious form of battery involving weapons, severe injury, or vulnerable victims.

domestic violence

Criminal conduct involving abuse between intimate partners, family members, or household members.

depraved indifference

Extreme recklessness showing a wanton disregard for human life, often used in murder charges.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.