Know Your Rights
Understanding hate crime law is the first step toward justice. Here is what the law says, what you are entitled to, and how the legal process works.
What Is a Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. Federal law under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. § 249) makes it a federal crime to willfully cause bodily injury — or attempt to do so — when the crime was motivated by bias. Most states have their own hate crime statutes that may offer additional protections.
Your Rights as a Victim
As a hate crime victim you have the right to report the incident to law enforcement without fear of retaliation. You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process. You have the right to be informed about the status of your case, to be present at public court proceedings, and to be heard at sentencing. Under the federal Crime Victims' Rights Act (18 U.S.C. § 3771), victims of federal crimes are entitled to these protections by law.
How to Report a Hate Crime
You can report a hate crime to your local police department, your state attorney general's office, or directly to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Reporting does not require you to press charges — it creates an official record that can support future legal action and helps authorities identify patterns of targeted violence.
Civil Remedies Available to You
Beyond criminal prosecution, hate crime victims may pursue civil litigation against perpetrators. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and related statutes, victims can seek compensatory and punitive damages for violations of their civil rights. Civil suits can be filed even when criminal charges are not brought or result in acquittal. Our attorneys can evaluate whether a civil claim is viable in your case and guide you through the process at no upfront cost.
The Legal Process Step by Step
After a hate crime is reported, law enforcement investigates and may refer the case to a prosecutor. If charges are filed, the case proceeds through arraignment, pre-trial motions, and — if not resolved by plea — trial. Victims have the right to be notified at each stage. In parallel, our team can pursue a civil case on your behalf. We handle all filings, court appearances, and negotiations so you can focus on recovery.
Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing hate crime complaints vary by jurisdiction and type of claim. Federal criminal hate crime charges generally must be brought within five years of the incident. Civil rights claims under federal law typically have a two-year window, though this varies by state. Do not wait — the sooner you act, the stronger your case. Contact us immediately so we can assess the deadlines that apply to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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