What term describes a criminal offense motivated by the offender's bias?

The term that accurately describes a criminal offense motivated by the offender's bias is "hate crime." A hate crime is defined specifically as an offense that is motivated, in whole or in part, by a bias against a person's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.

While "bias-motivated crime" may encapsulate the concept similarly, it is not the widely used term in legal contexts and discussions surrounding criminal law. The established terminology in legislation and law enforcement guidelines primarily refers to such offenses as hate crimes, which carry specific legal definitions and implications.

Understanding the distinction is important, especially in the context of law enforcement training and protocols, where recognizing and categorizing these types of crimes correctly is crucial for reporting, investigation, and community relations. The other terms, like "aggravated offense" and "discriminatory act," do not specifically capture the essence of a crime motivated by bias in the same way that a hate crime does.