A hate or bias crime is an unlawful act committed against a person, group or place that is motivated by hate or bias.
Bias crimes go far beyond the criminal act itself.
Having your property damaged by someone is bad enough, but having your property damaged because of who you are or what you believe in compounds the criminal act and leaves the victim with a sense of being personally violated. All bias crimes are serious incidents and are treated as such by the police department. Crimes motivated by hate are vigorously investigated and prosecuted in New York City. Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Crime Freedom of speech is protected by the federal Constitution. Anyone has the right to express their likes, dislikes and opinions, no matter how offensive it may be to others.