2015 Code of Virginia
Title 23 - Educational Institutions
§ 23-276.12. Violations; criminal penalty; injunction proceeding; civil penalty

A. Violations of this chapter or the Council's implementing regulations may be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each degree, diploma, certificate, program, academic transcript or course of study offered, conferred, or used in violation of this chapter or the Council's regulations shall constitute a separate offense.

B. The Council may also institute a proceeding in equity to enjoin any violation of this chapter or its implementing regulations. Further, if no criminal prosecution is instituted against such postsecondary school pursuant to subsection A, the Council shall have the authority to recover a civil penalty of at least $200 but not more than $1,000 per violation, with each unlawful act constituting a separate violation. In no event shall the civil penalties against any one person, corporation, or other entity exceed $25,000 per year.

C. Upon substantially prevailing on the merits of the case and unless special circumstances would render such an award unjust, the Council shall be entitled to an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs in any action to enjoin violations of this chapter or its implementing regulations.

Code 1950, § 23-273; 1980, c. 658; 2002, c. 178; 2006, c. 48; 2008, c. 856.