Federal · Title 42 — Public Health and Welfare

42 U.S.C. § 14944: Enforcement

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Knowingly and willfully violating certain provisions can result in fines up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. The Attorney General may bring civil enforcement actions.

Read the full statutory text

violates section 14921 of this title ; a decision by an accrediting entity with respect to the accreditation of an agency or approval of a person under subchapter II; the relinquishment of parental rights or the giving of parental consent relating to the adoption of a child in a case subject to the Convention; or a decision or action of any entity performing a central authority function; or engages another person as an agent, whether in the United States or in a foreign country, who in the course of that agency takes any of the actions described in paragraph (1) or (2), The Attorney General may bring a civil action to enforce subsection (a) against any person in any United States district court. In imposing penalties the court shall consider the gravity of the violation, the degree of culpability of the defendant, and any history of prior violations by the defendant. Whoever knowingly and willfully violates paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250,000, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.