Defense Attorney Provides Help With Bias Intimidation (N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1) Charges
Bias Intimidation (N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1) is New Jersey’s hate crimes law, and specifies that criminal acts perpetrated with the intention of intimidating a person on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity are prosecuted at a higher level than the same act not perpetrated for that reason.
When the underlying crime is a disorderly persons offense, Bias Intimidation is charged as fourth degree crime, with a sentence of up to 18 months.
When the underlying crime is an indictable offense, Bias Intimidation will be charged one degree higher than the most serious underlying crime.
Even worse for you, Bias Intimidation is a separate charge and the statute does not permit it to be merged with the underlying crime.
If convicted, you will face separate sentences for both crimes, potentially adding years or decades to your sentence.
Bias Intimidation is an extremely serious charge in New Jersey that requires immediate help from an experienced defense attorney.
If you or a family member are dealing with bias intimidation charges, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 to speak to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer for free.
