§ 12-502. Penalties

   (a) Criminal. --

   (1) A person who willfully or knowingly violates this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.

   (2) Each associate, employee, manager, or partner who participates in or consents to a violation of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

   (3) Each violation of this title is a separate offense.

(b) Civil. --

   (1) The Secretary may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $ 5,000 for each violation.

   (2) In setting the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall consider:

      (i) the seriousness of the violation;

      (ii) the harm caused by the violation;

      (iii) the good faith of the violator;

      (iv) any history of previous violations by the violator; and

      (v) any other relevant factors.

   (3) The Secretary shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 56, § 426; 1992, ch. 4, § 2; 1997, ch. 227; 2001, ch. 187.