Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3908
This is the official text of Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3908, part of Virginia’s Code of Virginia — the complete compiled statutory law of Virginia, organized into 60+ numbered titles by subject.
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Civil actions by private parties
Official statutory text
A. 1. An aggrieved person may commence a timely civil action in an appropriate general district or circuit court having jurisdiction over the person who allegedly unlawfully discriminated against such person in violation of this chapter. Any such civil action may only be filed, if at all, within 90 days of the complainant's receipt of a notice of his right to file a civil action pursuant to § 2.2-3907 .
2. An aggrieved person (i) who has been provided a notice of his right to file a civil action pursuant to § 2.2-3907 by the Office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or (ii) if 180 days have passed since a complaint was filed in the Office or a local human rights commission organized pursuant to § 15.2-965 and the aggrieved person has not been provided a notice of his right to file a civil action may commence a timely civil action in an appropriate general district or circuit court having jurisdiction over the person who allegedly unlawfully discriminated against such person in violation of this chapter. Any person may file an action that is not dual-filed after 180 days have passed since the complaint was filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law.
B. If the court or jury finds that unlawful discrimination has occurred, the court or jury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and punitive damages and the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs and may grant as relief any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice, or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.
C. Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to a private party under subsection B.
2020, c. 1140 ; 2024, cc. 784 , 819 ; 2026, c. 1119 .
2. An aggrieved person (i) who has been provided a notice of his right to file a civil action pursuant to § 2.2-3907 by the Office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or (ii) if 180 days have passed since a complaint was filed in the Office or a local human rights commission organized pursuant to § 15.2-965 and the aggrieved person has not been provided a notice of his right to file a civil action may commence a timely civil action in an appropriate general district or circuit court having jurisdiction over the person who allegedly unlawfully discriminated against such person in violation of this chapter. Any person may file an action that is not dual-filed after 180 days have passed since the complaint was filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law.
B. If the court or jury finds that unlawful discrimination has occurred, the court or jury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and punitive damages and the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs and may grant as relief any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice, or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.
C. Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to a private party under subsection B.
2020, c. 1140 ; 2024, cc. 784 , 819 ; 2026, c. 1119 .
Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site
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