Code of Federal Regulations Title 9. Animals and Animal Products § 9.202.210 Stipulations

(1) The Administrator will give the person notice of an alleged violation of the P & S Act or regulations and provide an opportunity for a hearing;

(2) The person has the option to expressly waive the opportunity for a hearing and agree to pay a specified civil penalty within a designated time;

(3) The Administrator will agree to settle the matter by accepting payment of the specified civil penalty within a designated time;

(4) If the person does not agree to the stipulation, or does not pay the penalty within the specified time, the Administrator may issue an administrative complaint citing the alleged violation;  and

(5) The civil penalty that the Administrator proposed in a stipulation agreement has no bearing on the civil penalty amount that may be sought in a formal administrative proceeding against the same person for the same alleged violation.