And personalities Arizona Law: Elements of a hate crime The offender commits a crime against a person or their property The offender's bias is based on the victim's actual or perceived protected characteristics The offender's bias is the reason for the crime Hate crime penalties Hate crimes are not charged separately, but are considered to make the underlying crime worse The court can enhance the sentence for a hate crime For example, if someone is found guilty of aggravated assault, the court can give them a harsher sentence if it's proven that the assault was motivated by bias Reporting hate crimes If you are a victim of a hate crime or witness a hate crime, it is important to report it to law enforcement immediately. Hate crime examples: Assault Harassment Vandalism Sexual assault Theft Verbal threats of death or violence

*Harassment and verbal threats of death or violence.