Hate Crime Penalty
For most crimes, when a person is convicted of a hate crime, the crime is deemed to be one category higher than the specified offense the defendant committed, and the person is sentenced accordingly.
Penalties for hate crimes are very serious and range from fines to imprisonment for lengthy periods, depending on the nature of the underlying criminal offense, the use of violence or previous convictions of the offender. For specific information on sentencing, refer to Penal Law Article 485.
Hate crimes are prohibited, in separate ways, by New York State law and Hamilton College policy. Thus, offenders may be prosecuted under New York State criminal statutes and subject to disciplinary action by the Hamilton College. The College may pursue disciplinary action while criminal action is pending, or even if criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute. In addition to any criminal penalties, students found responsible for a hate crime are subject to disciplinary action and penalties, which may include, among other penalties, separation from the College.
Back to Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes
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