2013 Maryland Code
BUSINESS REGULATION
§ 8-620 - Civil penalties

§8-620.

(a) The Commission may impose on a person who violates this title, including § 8-607(4) of this subtitle, a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation, whether or not the person is licensed under this title.

(b) In setting the amount of a civil penalty, the Commission shall consider:

(1) the seriousness of the violation;

(2) the good faith of the violator;

(3) any previous violations;

(4) the harmful effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the business of home improvement;

(5) the assets of the violator; and

(6) any other relevant factors.

(c) (1) The Commission may establish by regulation a schedule of violations and fines to be used for civil citations issued under this title.

(2) A citation issued by the Commission shall include:

(i) the name and address of the person charged;

(ii) the nature of the violation;

(iii) the location and time of the violation;

(iv) the amount of the fine;

(v) the manner, location, and time in which the fine may be paid;

(vi) the cited person’s right to a hearing for the violation; and

(vii) a warning that failure to pay the fine or to contest liability in a timely manner in accordance with the citation:

1. is an admission of liability; and

2. may result in an entry of a default judgment that may include the fine, court costs, and administrative expenses.

(3) The Commission shall retain a copy of the citation.

(4) All money collected under this subsection shall be paid in accordance with § 8-403(b) of this title.