Crimes Against the Homeless

A large number of violent attacks are committed against homeless people. The trend of homelessness is more widespread than many people realize. Millions of Americans become homeless for short or long periods of time every year, and approximately 20% of them are children.

To better understand the legal complexities of criminal offenses involving homeless people, contact the experienced Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000.

Types of Attacks Committed Against the Homeless

The prevalence of violence towards the homeless has potentially become a civil rights issue and could even be classified as a hate crime. Published reports have indicated that homeless children, women and men have been attacked in a variety of ways. These include:

• Harassment
• Assault
• Sexual crimes
• Decapitation
• Gang initiation violence

Convictions related to any of these kinds of offenses are very serious, and individuals charged with these crimes will need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Is It a Hate Crime?

At present, homeless people have not been given a “protected status” under federal law. However, the number of fatal attacks on homeless individuals is consistently greater than the number of officially documented hate crimes in the United States.

Homeless people may be more vulnerable than those with homes because they are easier targets for attack. A majority of violent offenders are teenagers and young adults, and nearly all of them are male. Approximately 30% of assaults on homeless people were ultimately fatal.

Contact Us

For more information about criminal charges related to attacks on homeless individuals, contact the knowledgeable Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000.