Hare Krishna! Aneha Koti Namaskaram!
As we know, we can not change the ‘past’, whatever has happened, has happened. But we can change the future. Sri Velukkudi Swami, says in upanyasam that when one by merely realizing his mistake, that moment itself, he becomes eligible for lord’s mercy. So by lords mercy and individual’s effort, one by improving the consciousness to sudha sattva (gradually) one can get rid of all the consequences of all types of sins.
To answer the question in specific, Per Adiyen’s understanding, the ‘degree’ of punishment depends on the consciousness. One in the mode of ignorance will get lesser punishment when compared to someone in higher consciousness doing the same mistake. In Mahabharata, Udhistra maharaj was put through a test to judge 4 different people (of 4 varnas) for committing a sin and Udhishtra maharaj gives punishment ‘according’ to the varna of the individuals (1st varna gets the most severe punishment).
Please correct if there is any misunderstanding.
Sarvam Sri Krishnaarpanamastu!