In the case of a complaint against a licensee, which of the following is true if the matter goes to formal hearing?

When a complaint against a licensee progresses to a formal hearing, it is indeed true that a penalty of up to $1,000 may be imposed. This aligns with the governing regulations in Virginia that outline the potential disciplinary actions that can result from a hearing concerning professional misconduct or violations of real estate laws.

The ability to impose such a penalty is a vital part of the regulatory framework, ensuring that licensees adhere to legal standards and ethical practices. It serves as both a deterrent for future violations and a mechanism for maintaining the integrity of the real estate profession in Virginia.

In the context of other choices, the imposition of penalties is not inherently limited to only one party, such as the licensee. Moreover, while some complaints may be resolved without penalties, the statement that no penalty is applied does not accurately reflect the potential outcomes of a formal hearing. The $500 figure mentioned in another choice is also less than what current regulations specify, confirming that a penalty up to $1,000 is the applicable maximum in such scenarios.