San Antonio Defense Attorney Against Hate Crime Charges
If you’ve been accused of a hate crime in San Antonio, it’s important to note that this may look like any other type of criminal activity, such as assault. The difference is that the event is motivated by specific biases against someone else’s inherent qualities. Assaulting someone during an argument results in an assault charge, but assaulting them because of their sexual orientation will be considered a hate crime. The intent is crucial, as is the motivation.
Here at Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell, we offer vigorous defense strategies, and we are committed to justice. Our founder has decades of experience with criminal defense law in Texas, having opened our doors in 1989. We offer free initial consultations so that you can begin exploring your legal defense options with our experienced criminal defense attorney.
Common Types Of Hate Crimes in Texas
When considering hate crimes, it can help to understand protected classes. Hate crimes are often based on a bias against another person due to their ethnicity or ethnic background, national origin, religious beliefs, gender or sex, or sexual orientation.
Hate crimes can target people in a variety of communities.
- Antisemitic hate crimes, targeting Jewish individuals or communities
- Islamophobic hate crimes, targeting Muslim individuals and Islamic communities
- Gender identity hate crimes against those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or non-binary
- Online interactions may count as cyber hate crimes or cyberbullying and online harassment
Escalating Charges
Hate crimes of any type are taken seriously in Texas. Evidence that a criminal act is a hate crime means charges can escalate to the next highest charge. For instance, an act may have been a second-degree felony under most circumstances, but showing that the act was a hate crime turns it into a first-degree felony.
What Defense Options Do You Have?
Defense against these allegations may focus on demonstrating that it wasn’t a hate crime – the event wasn’t racially or religiously motivated, for instance – even if that event did take place. It’s important for the courts to avoid increasing charges when there isn’t sufficient reason to do so.
With offices in San Antonio and New Braunfels, we offer free consultations and full confidentiality. At the initial consultation, we’ll learn more about the specifics of your case and provide guidance on the next steps to take. If you want to begin looking into your options, contact us online or call today at 210-888-9653 or toll-free at 866-604-7814.