The laws defining crimes and procedures in New York are complicated…
Most Fridays, we will post a #fridayfacts…
Article 485 (PL) defines hate crimes and the protected bases (race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation). Typically the underlying offense is intentional and involves a victim (assault, robbery, burglary, sex crimes).
If convicted as a hate crime, the offense level is elevated one class (e.g., Assault 2nd from D to C violent felony—max 7 → 15 years). For A/B felonies, minimums also increase.