Under Penal Code 422.55 it is a crime to harm, threaten, or harass someone because of a person’s disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, associations, or sexual orientation.

Penal Code 422.6 makes it illegal to interfere with someone else’s civil rights, or damage or destroy their property, because that person falls into one of these categories.

Penal Code 422.7 and 422.75 assert that if a person commits a crime such as vandalism or assault, and the person is motivated, in part, by bias because of the victim’s disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, associations, or sexual orientation, then the offense can be charged as a hate crime, which may result in a heavier penalty for the defendant.

If you are accused of a hate crime, contact the law office of H. Charles Gorian. We have experience fighting such charges and we know the California laws that affect your situation. Our law firm has helped men and women throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County, and we may be able to help you.

One phone call could be the difference between harsh criminal penalties and freedom. Call our lawyer today at (951) 395-0511 for a free, no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.