Hate crime generally refers to a criminal act that is seen to have been motivated by bias against one or more of the types or derivatives like a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, class, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity or political affiliation. This can result in physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or insults, or offensive graffiti or letters, specifically hate mail. It is also known as bias-motivated crimes which occur when a perpetrator targets the victim.
State lawmakers have enhanced the penalties when an offense is a hate crime which bail bonds in Denver Colorado should also comply with. It must be proven that the act involved:
- Force, threats, or actions intended to intimidate or oppress another individual.
- The act was performed due to or partially due to race, religion, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
With this, the penalty imposed is increased if the offense was proven to be a hate crime, in both misdemeanor and felony crimes.
In Colorado, a class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a fine of up $1,000 or both, and a class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 120 days in jail or a fine of up to $750 or both. On the other hand, a petty offense is punishable by up to 10 days in jail or a fine of up to $300 or both. A civil infraction is punishable by a fine of up to $100.
If a felony offense is considered to have been committed or attempted as a hate crime, an additional term enhancement of one, two, or three years in state prison can be imposed above the state sentencing guidelines for that crime. So, any crime that is proven to have been motivated by bias will involve additional jail time and fines.
Colorado Hate Crimes Law
- The general assembly hereby finds and declares that it is the right of every person, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national, origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, harassment, and physical harm caused by the activities of individuals and groups.
- The general assembly further finds that the advocacy of unlawful acts against persons or groups because of a person’s group’s race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation for the purpose of inciting and provoking bodily injury or damage to property poses a threat to public order and safety and should be subject to criminal sanctions.
- A person commits a bias-motivated crime if, with the intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation he or she:
- Knowingly causes bodily injury to another person; or
- 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
- Knowingly causes damage to or destruction of the property of another person.
- Commission of a hate crime could be a class 4 felony if the offender is physically aided or abetted by one or more other persons during the commission of the offense.
- In determining the sentence for a first-time offender convicted of a bias-motivated crime, the court shall consider the following which shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other sentence received by the offender:
- Sentencing the offender to pay for and complete a period of useful community service intended to benefit the public and enhance the offender’s understanding of the impact of the offense upon the victim.
- At the request of the victim, referring the case to restorative justice or other suitable alternative dispute resolution program established in the judicial district.
- In considering whether to impose the alternatives, the court shall consider the criminal history of the offender, the impact of the offense on the victim, the availability of the alternatives, and the nature of the offense.
How often are there allegations of hate crime in Colorado?
Hate crime enhancement is used very rarely. Even the connotation of “hate crime” evokes emotion, passion, and politics, and usually, both sides of a criminal matter want to avoid these factors if possible. If you get caught up in prosecution and receive notice of a sentencing enhancement under these laws, make sure your lawyer or bondsman Denver Co knows what to do.
Release from custody with the help of 24-hour bail bonds Denver Co
If your loved one has been accused, or booked, the arraignment will follow. Charges will be formally filed and in most cases, the bail is set. The hearing typically takes place within 48 hours of the arrest. Once the bail amount has been set by the judge, bail bonds in Denver Colorado can be arranged.
Bondsman Denver co will make the process as easy as possible and offer a range of financing options, with discounts for members of the military. 24 hour bail bonds Denver Co is paid ten percent of the bail amount which is a non-refundable fee. Once the bond is posted, the defendant is released from custody, free to return home. Just take note that the defendant needs to appear at every scheduled court date as part of the agreement
On an important note, if you want to know the location of your loved one who has been behind bars, there is an inmate locator Denver. Red’s Anytime Bail Bonds proudly serves the entire Front Range area. If you believe that your loved one has been arrested and is being held at the Denver City or County Jail, you can check inmate locator Denver to verify their detention and enquire about bond details. Once you have verified that they are currently detained at that jail, immediately contact us for help with the bonding process. We’re here to help, 24/7!