Criminal or civil law - violation of American's with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Question

If a company violates the ADA, is it a criminal or civil offense (assuming they are found guilty)? Civil??

Answer 1

It is not a crime to violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The full text of the law can be found here: http://ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm
Various government agencies can enforce violations of the act if they deem it appropriate. Usually, government prosecution of a violation is only undertaken in cases where it would serve a larger purpose than aiding a small number of plaintiffs; for instance where a large corporation or maybe an entire industry is violating the law.
If someone or some company is found to have violated the law, they can be made to pay money and/or do specific things (like provide accommodations, modify job duties, etc.). There are no criminal penalties for violating the ADA, only civil penalties.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It can be either, or both. It depends on where you bring the claim. If you, as a private individual, bring that claim and win, it is a civil offense. If you complain to the department of justice and THEY bring an action (and win), then it is a criminal offense.