                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; CIVIL PENALTY; ATTORNEYS&#8217; FEES (§ 2.2-3809)

Any aggrieved person may institute a proceeding for injunction or mandamus
against any person or agency that has engaged, is engaged, or is about to engage
in any acts or practices in violation of the provisions of this chapter. The
proceeding shall be brought in the district or circuit court of any county or
city where the aggrieved person resides or where the agency made defendant has a
place of business.

In the case of any successful proceeding by an aggrieved party, the agency
enjoined or made subject to a writ of mandamus by the court shall be liable for
the costs of the action together with reasonable attorneys&#8217; fees as
determined by the court.

In addition, if the court finds that a violation of subsection A of § 2.2-3808
was willfully and knowingly made by a specific public officer, appointee, or
employee of any agency, the court may impose upon such individual a civil
penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000, which amount shall be paid
into the State Literary Fund. For a second or subsequent violation, such civil
penalty shall be not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500. For a violation of
subsection A of § 2.2-3808 by any agency, the court may impose a civil penalty
of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000, which amount shall be paid into the
State Literary Fund. For a second or subsequent violation, such civil penalty
shall be not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500.

HISTORY: 1976, c. 597, § 2.1-386; 2001, c. 844; 2008, cc. 840, 843.