What is the general punishment for violating someone's civil rights?

Question

I keep reading for years of brief interviews from police chiefs to attorneys for anyone thinking of and/or encouraging violating another's civil rights to "not go down that road." But I -never- hear in detail what the punishment is for doing such.

I know it may vary from state to state, but what is the generally the penalty? Jail time for the offender? Monetary fine (if so how much)? Or both? Or is it just a slap-on-the-wrist warning?

I take it when law and order tells the public here to "not go down that road," the consequences must really be stiff.

Answer 1

There is no general punishment. Violating civil rights covers many aspects of our lives and can range from civil to criminal charges. In civil matters, it would be an award of monetary damages, In the criminal realm it depends on the severity of the offense.