What is the maximum penalty for committing ethnic intimidation?

The maximum penalty for committing ethnic intimidation is defined by its classification within the legal system, often as a felony. The correct answer indicates that it is a felony offense punishable by a maximum of 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. This reflects the severity of the crime, given that ethnic intimidation involves targeting individuals or groups based on their ethnicity or race, which the legal system treats with significant concern due to the implications for societal safety and cohesion.

This classification aligns with many jurisdictions' frameworks for addressing hate crimes, including ethnic intimidation. The prescribed penalties are intended to deter individuals from engaging in such conduct and to recognize the serious impact that such actions have on victims and the community as a whole. In contrast, other answer choices indicate either lesser penalties or civil repercussions, which do not accurately capture the nature of the offense or its implications in a criminal context. A felony designation suggests a serious violation that warrants stricter punitive measures, underscoring society's stance against ethnic intimidation.