O.C. PLATFORM : Intolerance for Hate

A reputation for vigorously prosecuting all criminal offenses has been earned by the Orange County district attorney’s office. Hate crimes--those motivated because of another person’s race, religion, color, ancestry or sexual orientation--receive the careful attention of a deputy district attorney specially assigned to handle all such crimes in a consistent and aggressive manner.

We are proud of the fact that our office was the first in the state to obtain convictions for three individuals prosecuted for hate crimes under a 1987 law, in addition to other serious felonies. Each received a state prison sentence.

Criminal displays of prejudice and bigotry are unacceptable in Orange County. Hate crimes will proliferate if there is a perceived tolerance of prejudice by society and our justice system. Intolerance for such behavior in Orange County is the message I seek to convey. To convey this message, it is our goal to assure criminal convictions and maximum penalties for those who commit hate crimes.