Case Histories and Results - William F. Nimmo

Assault and Hate Crime

The client in this case was charged with a hate crime. Because he was on probation for another assault he risked going to prision. He was a senior in the Cal State system and was majoring in political science.

During a drunken night of partying at the clubs in the beach area , he was accused of assaulting an African-American male in a parking lot and using the N word during the assault.

Mr. Nimmo argued in court that the use of the "N" word by the client was defensible. He convinced the jury that this word was used frequently in the client's circle of friends, which included African Americans, who were heavily into rap music.

With a strong defense put up by Mr. Nimmo, the jury found the client not guilty of a hate crime. He was convicted of misdemeanor assault and received probation.




© William F. Nimmo 2008