Specifics on Hate Crimes in Florida

By definition, a hate crime is one that involves intimidation, harassment, or physical violence which is motivated by bias or prejudice against a victim. Florida has some of the harshest hate crime laws in the country.

Statutes in Florida

There are four statutes at present for hate crimes in Florida. These crimes are defined as criminal acts that "evidence prejudice" based on race, religion, ancestry, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, advanced age, or national origin. Additionally, through specific lobbying efforts, social services advocates are trying to reclassify crimes that target the homeless as hate crimes.

• Florida Statue 877.19: This statute is the most recent and is titled The Hate Crimes Reporting Act. It mandates that the Governor collect information on hate crimes and disseminate it. Any of the above stated crimes would be included in this act.
• Florida Statute 806. 13: This statute relates to criminal mischief and in section 4(2) it describes the penalties for damaging, defacing or injuring places of worship or religious articles that are inside of any place of worship. These acts of vandalism if found to be committed willfully and out of malicious intent will be classified as third degree felony offenses.
• Florida Statute 775.085: This statute addresses the increased penalties for those who are convicted of felonies and misdemeanors in connection with hate crimes. Victims who are targeted because of their mental of physical disability or advanced age are being added to the list of hate crimes for the first time.
• Florida Statute 775.0845: This statute was enacted partially because of crimes that were committed by members of hate groups that wore hoods as in the Ku Klux Klan. It increases the penalties for any who commit hate crimes and wear hoods or masks during the offense.

Hate crimes may involve merely threats of violence or they may be more serious where actual physical damage occurs. If you have been accused of a hate crime in the Fort Meyers area, you need to seek advice from an experienced Fort Meyers criminal defense attorney. At Calvo & Calvo, we have successfully represented clients for many crimes in the area including hate crimes. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation as your freedom and future are at stake and you will need aggressive, skilled defense.

Contact a Fort Meyers hate crime lawyer in our office to set up a free consultation today.