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California Penal Code Section 422.55 There's No Alternative

California Penal Code 422.55

Are you facing charges for Hate Crimes? Violation of Penal Code 422.55 is a very serious offense. Those charged with hate crimes can face exorbitant fines and penalties that can result in years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines and restitution. Too often, criminal offenses that do not qualify as being hate crimes are prosecuted as such, and defendants suffer the injustice of being convicted of crimes for which they did not commit.

At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, our criminal attorneys in Southern California are committed to providing the best possible legal defense available, regardless of the crimes for which our clients are accused of committing. Contact us today and you will receive a free case evaluation to help you determine what options are in your best interest.

PC 422.55 Defined

California Penal Code 422.55 outlines what’s considered to be a hate crime. It’s defined as committing crimes due to the offender’s perceptions about the victim’s traits. These include:

  • Mental of physical disability of the victim
  • Stereotyping the gender of the victim
  • The national origin of the victim
  • The race of the victim, or even the ethnic group in which they fall under
  • The religious beliefs of the victim
  • The sex lifestyle or orientation of the victim
  • A group or association with which the victim is affiliated

In 1964, the Federal Civil Rights Law was enacted, and California followed suit in 1987.

The California Hate Crimes law makes it a criminal offense to use force, violence or threat to intimidate, harm or disturb someone else – willfully and due to their race, national origin, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, gender, color or group association. And also because the victim was attempting to engage in a federally protected activity, such as school enrollment, voting or working.

Penalties for CPC 422.55 Violations

Penalties for Hate Crimes depend on several factors, which the prosecution examines. The crime could be charged under one of the following:

Hate Crimes, Under California Penal Code 422.6 is a misdemeanor and those found guilty face:

  • Up to one year in jail
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • Up to 400 hours of community service

Aggravating Factors for Hate Crimes, Under California Penal Code 422.7 makes the crime a felony, and those found guilty face:

  • Up to 3 years in the California State Prison
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

Enhanced Penalties for Hate Crimes, Under California Penal Code 422.75 are applied in addition to the convicted felony punishments. An additional 1,2 or 3 years in the California State Prison is applied to the underlying sentencing. Offenders that commit the hate crime themselves, or who aided someone else in doing so, face an extra two, three or four years in prison, in addition to the above sentencing.

Hate Crime Legal Defense

If you are facing Hate Crimes for California Penal Code Section 422.55, the OC criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Randy Collins can help you. Call us today at 844-285-9559 or fill out our contact form. Sometimes getting the right penal code information at the right time can make all the difference.

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Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

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A Winning REcord

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    Defendant completed diversion PC 1000 for Possession of Methamphetamine, resulting in a case dismissal.

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At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
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    Randy, Chris, and his team are amazing. Having talked to other offices, this one was the most responsive, caring, and downright most helpful. They are all super knowledgeable in defense and I am extremely grateful for their help. I 100% recommend and suggest you try a consultation.
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    "Randy is one of the best attorney's you could ever have."
    Randy is one of the best attorneys you could ever have. I’m eternally grateful to Randy and his team for his dedication and professionalism. Randy is very brilliant when it comes to felonies, probation violations, or other criminal cases... Randy is the best lawyer you can have. when other lawyers told me they couldn’t help me out... Randy always told me he can help me and there was never an impossible case to bring in his favor. He was always in touch and keeping me updated on my case, and he gave me the peace and comfort I needed during difficult times. This is the second time he has had to help me stay away from jail. I will never look into other lawyers. I’ll be a loyal client to Randy from now on. You are #1, Randy. Thank you
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    I cannot express how grateful I am to Randy and his team for the amazing job representing my dad. He was detailed, dedicated, and truly caring for my family throughout the entire process. We are forever thankful to have found Randy. It is rare to find a legal team that feels like extended family. We truly felt so cared for by him and Chris. His knowledge and expertise helped guide us through a very difficult situation and we are so happy to have found this team. I would refer Randy to anyone looking for legal representation. Randy is the best lawyer to call!!
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    Randy worked tirelessly for over two years to have my case dismissed and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me.
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    Mr. Collins is highly recommended. He really takes the time to listen and answer all your questions. He went above and beyond on helping me out with an issue that was never my fault.
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    I called the office and right off the bat, I was super impressed at how much help I was receiving without even meeting in person. Chris (the guy who answered my call) is extremely nice and he explains everything so well. He told me how he used to work at the courts for many years (that gave me relief that he knew what he was talking about). Randy (the attorney) is delightful as well and put my worries to rest with his expertise and knowledge. You can tell by his demeanor and how passionate he speaks, that he is genuine and he cares about his clients. This office handles everything from DUI cases to just about anything criminal related.
    Former Client
    "Man of his word - got the issue resolved."
    I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.
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