Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Vermont Statutes Title 13. Crimes and Criminal Procedure, § 1455. Hate-motivated crimes

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) A person who commits, causes to be committed, or attempts to commit any crime and whose conduct is motivated, in whole or in part, by the victim's actual or perceived protected category shall be subject to the following penalties:

(1) If the maximum penalty for the underlying crime is one year or less, the penalty for a violation of this section shall be imprisonment for not more than two years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) If the maximum penalty for the underlying crime is more than one year but less than five years, the penalty for a violation of this section shall be imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

(3) If the maximum penalty for the underlying crime is five years or more, the penalty for the underlying crime shall apply; however, the court shall consider the motivation of the defendant as a factor in sentencing.

(b) The victim's actual or perceived protected category or categories need not be the predominant reason or the sole reason for the defendant's conduct.

(c) As used in this section, “protected category” includes race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard, disability as defined by 21 V.S.A. § 495d(5), sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived membership in any such group.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Vermont Statutes Title 13. Crimes and Criminal Procedure, § 1455. Hate-motivated crimes - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/vt/title-13-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/vt-st-tit-13-sect-1455/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard