Colorado POST Practice Exam

Which characteristic typically defines a hate crime?

1. Property is stolen for profit

2. Political motivations behind the crime

3. Involvement of organized criminal activities

4. No gain is made and property is usually not stolen

The correct answer is: No gain is made and property is usually not stolen

A hate crime is typically characterized by the motivation behind the act rather than the act itself. The defining feature of a hate crime is that it is committed against an individual or group specifically because of characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected attributes. In this context, the correct answer highlights that in a hate crime, the perpetrator does not gain financially or materially from their actions, nor is property usually stolen. Instead, the focus is on the bias-driven motivations that lead to the crime. While hate crimes may sometimes result in damage to property or physical harm, the absence of financial gain underscores the intent to harm based on prejudice rather than profit. Other considerations, such as political motivations or organized criminal activities, might relate to different types of crimes but do not embody the essential nature of hate crimes. A hate crime is specifically about the bias and the social prejudices inherent in the act.