@JayHawkFanToo and @mayjay Hate crimes do generally carry an additional sentencing penalty, so there is some negotiating leverage on the side of the prosecutor. For most hate crimes, the possibility of probation is off the table because the hate crime statutes make it an aggravating factor. At times, justice may be served by not charging or pursuing the hate crime conviction, which in a way misses the whole point because it doesn’t act as a deterrent from committing the crime, just as a bargaining chip in charging/sentencing.