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Hate Crimes

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Defense of those Accused of Hate Crimes

Persons accused of or charged with a “hate crime” often feel that the government is persecuting, rather than prosecuting, them. This perception is well grounded. For while our Federal and State governments prosecute thousands of individuals for murder, rape, and child molestation, law enforcement officials reserve a heightened level of vitriol for those they have charged with committing “hate crimes.” To meet the challenge of being unfairly targeted for a vaguely defined crime, retain a Boston Hate Crimes Lawyer who refuses to be intimidated by political correctness.

“Hate crimes” generally refers to acts believed motivated, at least in part, by anger toward, or hatred of, an individual or group because of his or their ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The “acts” need not be, in and of themselves, criminal and may include bullying, harassment, verbal abuse, abusive or offensive graffiti, or even offensive correspondence. Individuals alleged to have committed crimes motivated by “hate” face enhanced penalties if convicted. It is, therefore, not so much the crime, but the status of the victim, that determines the punishment.

Defending a person accused of a hate crime is no small task. The Federal and State prosecutors assigned to investigate and prosecute hate crimes lack the detachment we usually encounter in seasoned prosecutors. Instead, these prosecutors behave more like avenging angels crusading against something they view as a societal cancer. Despite this prosecutorial fanaticism, or maybe because of it, these cases are often defensible. With so much at stake, choosing the right criminal defense lawyer to represent you is critical – a lawyer who will patiently listen to your side of this ordeal, explain the judicial process, thoroughly investigate and analyze the case against you, formulate a strategy to deftly navigate you to safety, and, if necessary, knock the prosecutors on their collective asses.

For nearly 20 years, Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Kevin J. Mahoney has consistently obtained acquittals for clients accused of violent crimes by taking the time to master the factual details, assembling a team of professionals to assist him, including highly motivated licensed investigators and capable forensic investigators, and a determination to find a way to win the trial.

In his best selling book, Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination (2008), Mahoney devotes an entire chapter to teaching lawyers how to cross-examine alleged victims. While experience, aggression, and communication skills are important assets for every criminal defense lawyer, tactical, disciplined, creative and thorough cross-examination of prosecution witnesses wins trials. Mahoney has earned a nationwide reputation as a consummate cross-examiner. And spending the time to really get to know his client, his particular circumstances, and the details of the alleged incident, together with innovative investigative techniques and solid preparation, are the foundation of his most successful cross-examinations.

Call us today at 617-492-0055 to arrange an in-office consultation with Cambridge Hate Crimes Defense Attorney Kevin J. Mahoney.

History of Federal “Hate Crimes” Legislation

The 1964 Federal Civil Rights Law, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 245(b)(2), criminalized acts designed to injure, intimidate, or interfere with another person’s attempt to exercise six types of federally protected activities, such as attending school, seeking employment, patronizing a public place, serving as a juror or casting a vote, because of that person’s race, color, religion, or national origin. In October of 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law, making it a federal “hate crime” to commit crimes against people based on their sexual orientation, gender, or disability, thereby enlarging the scope of the 1968 law that prohibited targeting people for crimes because of their race, religion or national origin. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act, greatly expands victim classifications and the authority of the U.S. Department of Justice to prosecute crimes that have, historically, been within the exclusive jurisdiction of the States.

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Testimonials

  • NS, a DUI client,about 1 month ago

    Attorney Mahoney,

    I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful and excellent job you did for me. You were quite impressive up there and you really did your homework catching her in a few lies from previous testimony. You are the best! Even though I never want to be in this situation again, if I know anyone I will give them your name.

    Thank Amy for me too! She is a great asset to have in your office! Very pleasant and understanding.

    Again thank you and go Celtics!
     

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  • about 1 month ago

    Kevin Mahoney recently represented me in a case for destruction of property and disorderly conduct. He was extremely thorough and persistent, and despite a great deal of evidence against me, he managed to get the felony charge dropped without having to go to trial.

    I had never been in legal trouble before and had no idea how to proceed, and without his counsel, I am sure that I would have gotten convicted.

    He listened to my specific needs and always acted in my best interest. His knowledge, attention to detail, and general courtroom presence continued to amaze me throughout the entire process.
     

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  • M.K.about 1 month ago

    Dear Attorney Mahoney:

    I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts on my behalf. Your defense was truly outstanding. The court room skills that you demonstrated and legal knowledge were truly incomparable. I’m wishing you the very best in your future endeavors.

    In addition, I ‘m looking forward to viewing the Jello Trial on Court T.V. Let me thank you once again.

     

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  • about 1 month ago

    Attorney Mahoney,

    Is very knowledgeable and very professional. He has just represented me in a case lasting a year and a half, and he made sure I got a fair trial with a fair jury. He kept me well informed about what would be happening in the court room and always had a well thought out defense for any route of attack the D.A. would be planning on.

    My trial took 2 and a half days and after the jury deliberated for approximately 23 minutes they came back with a “Not guilty” verdict. I would recommend Attorney Mahoney to anyone I know, but I sure hope I dont need him again. : ) .
     

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Kevin J. Mahoney’s New Book Coming Soon

The Title IX Sexual Harassment Handbook

"Attorney Mahoney is currently authoring an authoritative and strategy driven compendium on investigating and defending Title IX sexual assault cases for lawyers, students, and universities. The book will be available through James Publishing within months."

Practice Areas

  • Bullying
  • Stalking & Criminal Harassment
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