Miami Hate Crimes Defense Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Defending Against Accusations of Crimes Involving Prejudice in Miami, FL

While any criminal charges can lead to penalties, offenses that are classified as hate crimes are especially serious. Allegations of violence or threats that have been motivated by bias or prejudice against a specific group can lead to increased penalties, and they may also harm a person's reputation and standing in the community.

If you have been accused of committing a hate crime in Miami, you will need to work with an attorney who can provide a strong legal defense to protect your rights. At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer represents people who are facing hate crime charges, accusations of violent crimes, and other offenses that could lead to serious criminal consequences.

Attorney Evan Hoffman will work to challenge the prosecution's case, arguing against the classification of an offense as a hate crime when there is insufficient proof of bias as a motivating factor. With his decades of experience in criminal law and his previous work as an assistant state prosecutor, he understands how these cases are handled, and he will take an aggressive approach while fighting to protect your rights.

Understanding Hate Crimes Under Florida Law

Under Florida's hate crime laws, the penalties for criminal offenses may be enhanced if there is evidence that a crime was committed with the specific intent to target a victim based on certain protected characteristics. These offenses may be based on factors such as

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Advanced age
• Homeless status

To secure a conviction for a hate crime, prosecutors must prove that the crime was motivated by bias or prejudice. They may look at statements a person made in the past, social media activity, testimony from witnesses, or other evidence showing that they were prejudiced against certain groups.

Examples of Hate Crime Allegations

Hate crime charges can arise in various situations, including:

• Violent Crimes:A person may be accused of committing assault, battery, or homicide against someone due to their race or because they practiced a certain religion.
• Vandalism: Allegations of acts such as spray-painting racist graffiti or defacing religious institutions may be considered hate crimes.
• Threats and Harassment: A person may be accused of sending threatening messages or making verbal threats against a person because of factors such as sexual orientation.

Not all allegations of hate crimes are straightforward. Sometimes, a person may be wrongfully accused due to misunderstandings, false reports, or a lack of clear evidence showing that bias was a motivating factor in a certain offense.

Penalties for Hate Crime Convictions in Florida

If an offense is classified as a hate crime, a misdemeanor or felony charge will be reclassified as the next highest offense, and the penalties for a conviction will increase. For example:

• A second-degree misdemeanor with penalties that may include up to 60 days in jail would be elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to a jail sentence of up to one year.
• A third-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, would be reclassified as a second-degree felony increasing the maximum sentence to 15 years.
• A second-degree felony would be raised to a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison or life imprisonment in some cases.

In addition to imprisonment and fines, a conviction will lead to a criminal record that could affect a person's future opportunities. People convicted of felonies will lose certain civil rights, including the right to vote and the ability to possess firearms. Even if a person is not convicted, hate crime charges are likely to damage their personal and professional reputation.

Defenses Against Hate Crime Charges

Because of the severe penalties that apply to people who are charged with hate crimes, it is crucial to work with an attorney who can build a strong defense. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami hate crimes attorney can help determine the best defense strategies which may include:

• Lack of Bias Motivation: Our lawyer may argue that an alleged crime was not motivated by prejudice and show that there is no evidence to support hate crime charges.
• False Accusations: In some cases, a defendant may be wrongly accused of hate crimes due to personal conflicts, misinterpretations, or unreliable witness statements. Our attorney can provide evidence of a person's character to counter these wrongful accusations.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Hate Crimes Defense Attorney

In situations involving hate crime accusations, legal representation from an experienced lawyer is essential. At The Hoffman Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of people who have been accused of criminal offenses, and our attorney will build a strong defense against these serious allegations. Contact our firm at 305-249-0090 to discuss your case in a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight these charges.