California’s hate crime laws were enacted to protect citizens from being victimized based on their race, ethnicity, origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. While this can be a good way to protect a minority against abuse of prejudice, it also can result in serious penalties being added to even the most minor crimes. In many cases, misdemeanors will be charged as felonies if a hate crime has been involved and if the crime was already a felony, you may face up to three years of extra prison time if the action was determined to be a hate crime.

It is important to remember that once you are placed under arrest, everything you say can be held against you. That is why you should always refuse to answer any questions related to the accusations against you until you have spoken to a skilled Vista hate crimes lawyer like Peter M. Liss. Please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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