Being charged with a Bias-Motivated Crime, commonly referred to as a “hate crime,” is one of the most serious and stigmatizing criminal accusations a person can face in Greeley and Weld County, Colorado. If you are under investigation or have been charged, understanding exactly what these charges mean and how they work under Colorado law is essential.
What Is a Bias-Motivated Crime? Attorney for Hate Crime Charges in Erie and Evans
Colorado’s Bias-Motivated Crime statute, C.R.S. § 18-9-121, makes it a separate criminal offense to intimidate, harass, or cause injury to a person or to damage their property based on that person’s actual or perceived:
- Race, color, religion, or national origin
- Ancestry or disability
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
Critically, the law does not require prosecutors to prove that you committed a new underlying crime from scratch. Instead, Bias-Motivated Crime is typically charged alongside another offense, such as Assault, Criminal Mischief, or Harassment, with the bias element treated as an aggravating factor that significantly increases the penalties you face.
How Are These Cases Charged and Penalized?
Under Colorado law, a bias-motivated crime is charged higher than the normal underlying offense. That means it is a:
- Class 1 misdemeanor for placing someone in fear of injury or damage to property
- Class 5 felony for causing bodily injury to another
- Class 4 felony if causing bodily injury to another and are aided and abetted by one or more persons
This sentence enhancement can dramatically change the trajectory of a case. What might otherwise resolve as a misdemeanor with minimal jail time can quickly escalate into a felony conviction carrying years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent record with lasting consequences for employment, housing, and civil rights.
Why Weld County Bias-Motivated Crimes Cases Seriously
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors throughout Weld County are required to track, report, and vigorously prosecute Bias-Motivated Crimes under both state law and federal reporting mandates. These cases attract heightened scrutiny, media attention, and community pressure, all of which can influence how aggressively charges are pursued.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a Bias-Motivated Crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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