§ 7-308. Reprimands, suspensions, and revocations -- Grounds

   (a) In general. -- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 7-309 of this subtitle, the Board may reprimand a licensee or suspend or revoke a license if the licensee or any owner, director, officer, member, partner, or agent of the licensee:

   (1) makes any material misstatement in an application for a license;

   (2) is convicted under the laws of the United States or of any state of:

      (i) a felony; or

      (ii) a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the person to engage in the collection agency business;

   (3) in connection with the collection of any consumer claim:

      (i) commits any fraud; or

      (ii) engages in any illegal or dishonest activities;

   (4) knowingly or negligently violates the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act; or

   (5) fails to comply with a lawful order that the Board passes under this title.

(b) Multiple licenses. -- If the Board finds that a ground for suspension or revocation of a license applies to more than 1 place of business that the licensee operates, the Board may act against:

   (1) each license of the licensee; or

   (2) only the licenses to which the ground applies.

(c) Considerations. -- In determining whether to reprimand a licensee or to suspend or revoke a license for a reason described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the Board shall consider:

   (1) the nature of the crime;

   (2) the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license;

   (3) with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the licensee to engage in the collection agency business;

   (4) the length of time since the conviction; and

   (5) the behavior and activities of the licensee since the conviction.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 56, § 325, 329; 1992, ch. 4, § 2; 2007, ch. 472.