LogFAQs > #962870314

CyricZ posted...

In terms of penalty or punishment, I think any additional sentencing will be a drop in the bucket, given that they're all facing life in prison, with only one with viability of parole in 30 years.

The hate crime in this case is federal, whereas the actual murder was charged state-level. I'd need someone more versed in criminal law than me to determine what's the actual difference besides the public statement being made of recognizing this as a hate crime.

Given the convictions and sentences imposed at the state level, there's not much of a practical effect other than the "it's about sending a message" effect. The feds may also take custody rather than Georgia, but I don't have the life/professional experience to give much insight as to whether one system is cushier than the other (although federal is better funded, for whatever that's worth).