In the United States people have the right to freedom of speech and is guaranteed by the first Amendment of the Constitution.  The First  Amendment States “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

What are Civil Rights Violations in California?Civil Rights defined in California are, violations against people that are commitede based solely on their aftual race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, gender or a disability.  When a Civil Right Violation is perceived against a person because it’s believed that they’re gay, black or another status, even if they are not.

Kinds of Civil Rights that are Forbidden by the Law

Threats, verbal or written
Physical assault or attempted assult
Graffiti
Vandalism or property damage

How These Laws Help
Penal Code Sections are written to punish people who have violated the rights of others.  There are many Civil remedies that provide protection for persons who have been threatened with violence and momney damage to persons who have been harmed by violence or threats.  These Civil re;medies are available under the  Ralph and Bane Acts , and include:

Restraining Orders:
A person may obtain a restraing order from a court, it must be served upon the person who is threating to harm you and your family, and or property

Actual Damages:
Includes the cost of medical, lost wages, repairing property and emotional stress and suffering

Punitive Damages:
A court can order an additional payment ot punish the wrongdoer

Civil Penalties:
A fine can be issued in the amout of $25,000.00, which is paid to the victim

Attorney Fees;
Can be ordered that the person you are suing pay the victim’s attorney’s fees

Bail Amounts Associated with the Civil Rights Violations

Each State had different bail amounts and will vary depending on the Civil Rights Crime.  If a person commits a misdemeanor or felony, other than the restriction of civil rights, they can be charged with a hate crime.  This will constitute a misdemeanor unless the crime committed caused an injury, resulted in property damage of more than $950.00 or if the person accused was previously convicted of a hate crime.

In California, if a person who is interfering with someone’s civil rights, without violence for example, it constitutes a $10,000.00 bail amount in Los Angeles County.  However, in Los Angeles County, if a hate crime has been violated this will add an additional @25,000.00 bail to whatever bail was set under the underlying crime.  Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties have the same $25,000.00 bail amounts.  When this bail amount is set, you should call Access Bail Bonds; we can address the bail amount set and post the bail immediately.  Every situation is different, and every bail amount depends on the crime.

What happens if you Violate Someone’s Civil Rights?

When a civil right violation occurs, when no other crime committed.  It can result in one year in jail; fines can reach as high as $5,000.00, plus additional 400 hours of community service.  When committing a civil rights felony, the fine can be as high as $10,000.00 and three years in prison.

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