Imagine being attacked not for something you did, but for who you are. That’s what hate crimes are all about in Texas. These aren’t just regular crimes—they’re personal attacks based on things like your race or religion. Texas has laws to punish these acts harder because they hurt people and communities in a deep way. If you’re dealing with a hate crime charge in Dallas, the Gallian Firm at (214) 432-8860 can help you fight back and protect your rights.
What Makes a Crime a Hate Crime in Texas?
In Texas, a hate crime happens when someone commits a crime because they don’t like a person’s race, religion, skin color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or where they’re from. The law calls this a “bias crime” under Texas Penal Code Section 12.47. The key is why the crime happened. If it’s because of one of those traits, it’s a hate crime. For example, if someone beats you up because you’re a certain religion, that’s not just assault—it’s a hate crime.
The state also protects people like cops and judges. If you attack them because of their job, that can count as a hate crime too. The prosecutor has to show that hate or prejudice was the reason behind the crime. It’s not about what you say—it’s about what you do and why you did it. That’s different from hate speech, which isn’t a crime in Texas unless it turns into action.
Common Types of Hate Crimes
Hate crimes can take many forms. One big one is assault—hitting someone because of their race or who they love. That’s a hate crime, and it gets treated tougher than a regular fight. Another example is vandalism, like spray-painting mean words or symbols on a church or someone’s house because of their background. That’s not just damage—it’s a hate crime.
Harassment is another type. If someone sends you scary messages because of your gender identity or disability, Texas law can step in and call it a hate crime. These acts aren’t random—they’re meant to hurt people for being themselves. The law wants to stop that by making the punishment fit the intent.
How Texas Punishes Hate Crimes
Texas doesn’t mess around with hate crimes. If a crime is driven by bias, the punishment goes up. Here’s how it works for some common crimes. Let’s say you commit criminal mischief, like breaking a window. Normally, that’s a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. But if it’s a hate crime—like you did it because the owner is a certain race—it jumps to a Class B misdemeanor. That means up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
Harassment without hate is a Class B misdemeanor—up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Add bias, and it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Assault is a Class A misdemeanor on its own, with the same one-year max and $4,000 fine. But if it’s a hate crime, it turns into a third-degree felony. That’s two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Bigger crimes get even harsher. Aggravated assault is usually a second-degree felony—two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. With hate involved, it’s a first-degree felony, meaning five to 99 years or life in prison, plus the $10,000 fine. Robbery or murder are already first-degree felonies, so they stay at five to 99 years or life with a $10,000 fine, even with hate. The point is, Texas bumps up the penalty to match the harm hate causes.
Federal Hate Crime Laws
Sometimes, hate crimes go beyond Texas law and become federal cases. This happens if someone uses bias to take away your rights—like voting, going to school, or living where you want. Federal law steps in if you hurt someone with a weapon because of their race, stop them from praying at church, or threaten them to keep them from a job or housing. It also covers planning with others to discriminate.
Federal charges can mean big trouble, like prison time and fines, depending on what you did. If you’re facing both state and federal hate crime charges, it’s a lot to handle. That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to fight in both systems.
Defending Against Hate Crime Charges
Getting charged with a hate crime doesn’t mean you’re done for. A good lawyer can help you push back. They’ll look at everything—what happened, what the evidence shows, and what the prosecutor says. Maybe the other side can’t prove you acted out of hate. Or maybe the crime itself didn’t happen the way they say. A lawyer can dig into that and find weak spots.
They might talk to the prosecutor to lower the charge—like turning a felony into a misdemeanor. If it goes to court, they’ll stand up for you and show your side. Self-defense could work too—if you were protecting yourself, not attacking out of hate. The Gallian Firm in Dallas knows how to build a strong defense for these cases.
What to Do If You’re Arrested
If the police arrest you for a hate crime, don’t panic—but don’t talk either. Anything you say can hurt you later. Just tell them, “I want my lawyer,” and stop there. Don’t try to fix things by calling the person who accused you, and don’t take any deals the cops offer—they can’t promise anything real. If you’re in court without a lawyer, say “not guilty” to keep your options open.
Then, get help fast. A lawyer can step in early, maybe even stop the case before it grows. The sooner you act, the better your chances. Going through this alone is tough, so don’t try it.
Call the Gallian Firm Today
Hate crime charges in Texas can change your life with bigger fines and longer jail time. But you’ve got a shot at fighting back with the right help. The Gallian Firm in Dallas, TX, knows how to handle these cases and protect your future. Whether you’re facing state or federal charges, they’ll work hard for you. Call them at (214) 432-8860 for a free talk about your case. Don’t wait—reach out now and get the support you need!