Bias Intimidation

New Jersey Penalties For Bias Intimidation (N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1) Charges

Bias Intimidation (N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1) in New Jersey is charged in connection to offenses like Harassment, when such charges are directed at certain groups of people for specific purposes of intimidation.

Commonly referred to as a hate crimes law, Bias Intimidation is graded according to the underlying charges.

In cases where you’ve been charged with disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses, the Bias Intimidation charge will be a crime of the fourth degree.

The maximum penalty would be 18 months in prison for that charge, other offenses notwithstanding.

When the underlying charges are indictable offenses, Bias Intimidation will be charged at one degree higher than the underlying charge.

If the underlying charge is a crime of the first degree, Bias Intimidation will be charged at that level, with a presumed sentence of 20 years if you’re convicted.

Bias Intimidation charges are often based on loose reasoning, and an effective defense can call into question the allegation of intent in the underlying charges.

When you’re facing charges like Bias Intimidation, call attorney Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

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.