Section 14-3202 – Violations; Remedies
(a) A violation of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article. (b) In addition to the remedies provided in § 13-408 of this article, an individual who is affected by […]
Section 14-3301 – Definitions
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Client” means a noncitizen or any person seeking to sponsor a noncitizen for whom an immigration consultant performs or offers to perform a service relating to the noncitizen’s immigration status. (c) “Immigration consultant” means a person that provides nonlegal advice, guidance, information, or services to a […]
Section 14-3302 – Applicability of Subtitle
This subtitle does not apply to: (1) An attorney licensed to practice law in the State; (2) An individual authorized to represent individuals in immigration matters under 8 C.F.R. § 292.1; (3) A nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § 292.2; (4) A representative of a nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § […]
Section 14-3303 – Prohibited Activities of Immigration Consultant
An immigration consultant may not: (1) Provide legal advice or legal services concerning an immigration matter; (2) Make a misrepresentation or false statement to influence, persuade, or encourage a client to use services provided by the immigration consultant; (3) Make a statement that the immigration consultant can or will obtain special favors from or has special influence with […]
Section 14-3304 – Contract
(a) Before providing any assistance, an immigration consultant shall execute a written contract with the client that includes: (1) A detailed explanation of the services to be performed; (2) An itemization of all fees to be charged to the client; (3) A statement that the client has the right to consult an attorney before signing the contract; (4) A statement […]
Section 14-3305 – Required Posting
An immigration consultant shall post, in a conspicuous location at each place of business at which the immigration consultant provides immigration consulting services, a sign that states, “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in Maryland, and may not provide legal forms, provide legal advice, or provide legal services.”
Section 14-3306 – Remedies for Violations of Subtitle
(a) An immigration consultant that violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both, in addition to any civil penalties imposed under subsection (b) of this section. (b) An individual injured by a violation of any provision of this […]
Section 14-3002 – Unauthorized, False, or Misleading Information Through Electronic Mail
(a) This section does not apply to an interactive computer service provider or a telecommunication utility to the extent that the interactive computer service provider or the telecommunication utility merely handles, retransmits, or carries a transmission of commercial electronic mail. (b) A person may not initiate the transmission, conspire with another person to initiate the transmission, or […]
Section 14-3401 – Definitions
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Interactive computer service provider” means an entity that provides a service that provides or enables computer access via the Internet by multiple users to a computer server or similar device used for the storage of images, information, or data. (c) (1) “Person” includes an individual, corporation, business […]
Section 14-3003 – Penalty
A person who violates this subtitle is liable for reasonable attorney’s fees and for damages: (1) To the recipient of commercial electronic mail, in an amount equal to the greater of $500 or the recipient’s actual damages; (2) To the third party without whose permission the third party’s Internet domain name or electronic mail address was used, […]