Committing a violent crime is never going to be viewed well in the eyes of the law. Yet, the law considers the crime even more serious in certain cases — especially those in which specific people are targeted for one reason or another.
Aggravating factors could cause anyone convicted of a violent crime to face more severe penalties. Here are some.
A discriminatory motive
Hate crimes are on the rise lately. Many feel emboldened to be open about their prejudices and act upon them. If a court determines that an attack took place because of one of the victim’s protected characteristics, such as their race, skin color or gender, then it will likely issue a harsher sentence.
A major inequality
Picking a fight with another able-bodied adult will likely result in a more lenient sentence than picking one with a minor, a senior citizen or someone with a disability. That’s not to say that some teenagers are not incredibly strong and perfectly capable of beating you in a fight, but you, as the adult in the room, might be expected to act with more maturity to avoid the situation. As for an elderly pensioner or those with a disability, be it mental or physical – the court would consider them as vulnerable and deserving of a higher level of protection.
A public servant
Fighting with someone who works in certain public positions, such as police officers or firefighters, could also lead to more severe charges. Note, though, that this might not always apply. If it happened while the public servant was on the job, it probably would. If it occurred while you were both drinking in the local bar, however, then it might not.
Learning more about the severity of the charges you face and what defense options you have is crucial if arrested for an alleged violent crime.