Where a crime is committed against another person with a racial or biased component.  Such as verbal harassment due to race, sexual orientation or religion, setting cross burning on someone's lawn, or actual physical abuse, battery, assault or murder.  Any crime committed with a hate crime component is considered a crime with special circumstances and carry heavier penalties than the same crime committed otherwise.  Instead of facing a few years in prison, you may face decades or even the death penalty.  Murder with special circumstances such as a hate crime is considered a Death Penalty offense in may states.  This is why it is important to know precisely what they charges are against you as soon as possible.  An attorney can find out the charges for you and protect your legal rights.

When arrested for this or any crime, it is imperative to pay attention to your rights under Miranda.  Tell the officers you will not talk without your lawyer present.  Retain an attorney as soon as you can, if you do not already have one.  Use your phone call to contact an attorney who can then arrange to be present during questioning.  Your lawyer can arrange bail, go with you to the arraignment hearing and help you when entering a plea.  Having legal council with you is your right under Miranda.