2013 Maryland Code
BUSINESS REGULATION
§ 7-308 - Reprimands, suspensions, and revocations -- Grounds

§7-308.

(a) 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) 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) 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.