Hate Crimes

Signs that a crime was motivated by hate may include:

• The offender chose the victim or property because they belonged to a protected group, like a certain religion or gender.
• The offender made written or verbal comments showing a prejudice.
• The crime happened on a date that is important for the victim's or offender’s protected group.
• There is organized hate activity in the area.

• Contact the local law enforcement agency away.
• Get medical attention (if you need it).
• Write down the exact words that were said.
• Make notes about any other facts.
• Save all evidence (e.g., graffiti, eggshells, writing on victim's vehicle). If safe, wait until law enforcement arrives and takes photos.
• Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of other victims and witnesses.
• Try to get a description from any eyewitnesses of the criminal or the vehicle.
• Contact community organizations in your area that respond to hate crimes.

The California Victims' Bill of Rights Act, known as Marsy's Law, gives you these important legal rights:

• Get money for your losses. Apply for money to cover your property losses, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
• Say how the crime impacted you. Tell the court how the crime impacted your life before the defendant is sentenced.
• Get information about the criminal case. Ask the prosecutor for certain information about the case.
• Get orders from the court. The court can make orders that could help you, such as a protective order to keep the defendant away from you or an order to pay attorney fees if you hired a lawyer to help with your case.
  
  The court may also order the defendant to pay you $25,000 or more for violating your civil rights. (Talk to a lawyer about your rights under the Ralph Act and the Bane Act.)
• California law prohibits law enforcement authorities from asking individuals, including those who are reporting or are victims of potential crimes, about their immigration status, unless the information is necessary to certify the victim for a U visa (victim of crime visa) or T visa (victim of human trafficking visa).

• Speak out against hate and intolerance.
• Have community rallies to support victims.
• Offer support and help to victims.
• Ask public officials to speak out against hate crimes.
• Establish a human relations commission or hate crime network that includes law enforcement, local government, schools, religious organizations and community organizations. Ask them to respond to hate crimes immediately when they happen and to promote prevention and awareness.

Every year, thousands of bias-motivated acts, commonly referred to as "hate crimes" or "hate incidents" are committed across America. Generally, any criminal act motivated by a specific bias against a victim's actual or perceived protected characteristic is a hate crime. A bias-motivated act that does not rise to the level of a crime is called a "hate incident." Hate crimes are prosecuted by city attorneys and district attorneys under California's penal code, while hate incidents can be the subject of civil lawsuits under California's civil code.

For more information please visit: https://oag.ca.gov/civil/preveduc

California Attorney General's
Victims' Services Unit
(877) 433-9069
TTY: (800) 735-2929
www.oag.ca.gov/victimservices

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
(800) 884-1684
TTY: (800) 700-2320
www.dfeh.ca.gov

California Association of Human Relations Organizations
(213) 639-6089
www.cahro.org

California Victim Compensation Board
(800) 777-9229
www.vcgcb.ca.gov

Find Your Local District Attorney's Office,
Victim/Witness Assistance Center
www.vcgcb.ca.gov/victims/localhelp.aspx

U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Services
(202) 305-2935
www.justice.gov/crs

For more information, or help with questions or concerns, contact:
California Attorney General's Office Victims' Services Unit
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
(877) 433-9069
www.oag.ca.gov/victimservices

The Attorney General issued an information bulletin to law enforcement agencies across California, outlining state laws that prohibit hate crimes and other hate-related acts.

The bulletin is designed to ensure that state and local law enforcement officials across California have the necessary information and tools to respond appropriately and swiftly to hate crime activity.

To view the latest bulletin visit: FINAL-BULLETIN-HATE-CRIMES-LAWS-IB-2021-DLE-05, pdf

The Attorney General issued guidance to prosecutors across California, providing information to assist prosecutors in carrying out their responsibilities.

The guidance is designed to ensure that prosecutors across California have the necessary information and tools to provide a full understanding regarding the handling of hate crime prosecutions, being mindful of the need for a victim-centered approach and restorative practices.

To view the guidance visit: Prosecutor Guidance, pdf

The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has developed guidance and a model policy framework to assist law enforcement in identifying and handling crimes motivated by hate and bias and to help ensure accurate and timely reporting of hate crimes.