My husband and I are being accused of a hate crime in our community. what should we do

Do not take a lie detector test unless a lawyer tells you to do it, which is unlikely. Get a lawyer NOW. Do not even talk to the police or any kind of investigator. Whatever you do, DO NOT LIE TO THE POLICE. Do not post on Facebook or talk to your friends about this. Criminal lawyers do free consultations. Take advantage of that.

Do not take a lie detector test. Get an attorney on your side. Yes, you need legal representation, a private criminal defense attorney.

YES--you both need legal representation. NO--never take a polygraph (lie detector) unless your lawyer arranges one privately in which case it's confidential. Retain an experienced criminal defense attorney without further delay. Allegations of a hate crime are very serious.

Yes, you need an attorney. Do not take the polygraph. Do not speak to law enforcement. Use the attorney you hire to speak for you.

You should not talk to the police or take a polygraph without an attorney present.

Yes, you absolutely need representation in this matter. Do not make any statements to law enforcement or take any lie detector tests until you have spoken with competent criminal defense counsel. You have an absolute right under the constitution to not self incriminate yourself via statements to law enforcement. While many people are concerned that invoking their rights makes them "look guilty", that invocation cannot be used against you in a Court of Law. Law enforcement probably does not have enough information at this point to make a charging decision or you would have already been charged. Or, they have already made a charging decision and they simply want you and your Husband to provide them with more information to strengthen their case The 5th Amendment to the US Constitution provides as follows: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.