What is a Hate Crime?

Hate Crime

Under the statutes of the State of Maine, a hate crime is defined as any unlawful action designed to frighten, harm, injure, intimidate or harass an individual, in whole or in part, because of bias motivation against the actual or perceived race, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation of the victim. These actions can include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, simple assault, intimidation, vandalism and harassment.

Bias Incident

A bias incident is any event that does not rise to the level of criminal conduct but creates a socially divisive atmosphere for members of the community targeted.

State of Maine Laws on Hate Crimes

The State of Maine laws concerning hate crimes are found in several places. The relevant statutory titles and sections are: Title 5, sections 4651-4660-A, and 4681; and Title 17, sections. 2931-2932.