What is the maximum civil penalty for a first violation of the Federal Fair Housing Laws when the Justice Department is involved?

The maximum civil penalty for a first violation of the Federal Fair Housing Laws, particularly when the Justice Department is involved, is indeed $50,000. This penalty reflects the seriousness of violations that hinder equal housing opportunities and aims to deter future infractions. The amount is designed to be significant enough to promote compliance with fair housing laws while also considering that a first-time offender may benefit from a slightly lesser penalty compared to repeat offenders.

In scenarios where there are subsequent violations, the penalties increase, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Fair Housing Act. This graduated penalty system helps ensure that those who violate the law multiple times face more severe consequences, thereby enforcing the intent of the legislation to maintain fair and equitable housing practices across the nation.