What characterizes a hate crime?

A hate crime is specifically characterized by the motive behind the crime, which is based on bias against certain characteristics of the victim, such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. This type of crime is distinguished from other offenses by the intention to harm or intimidate a person or a group due to their identity.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately describe the essence of a hate crime. While violent acts may be involved in hate crimes, they are not a defining characteristic, as hate crimes can also encompass non-violent offenses. Financial gain is irrelevant to the classification of a hate crime; such motivations are more aligned with property crimes or fraud. Lastly, the involvement of multiple offenders does not define a hate crime either, as a hate crime can be committed by an individual just as easily as by a group. The critical aspect of a hate crime is the bias motivating the crime, making the focus on the victim's identity central to its definition.