37-33-10. Civil proceedings by attorney general–Entry of orders–Injunctions–Hearings–Penalties–Payment of costs.
If it appears to the attorney general that any person has engaged or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, or any order under §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, the attorney general may do one or more of the following:
(1)Issue a cease and desist order, with or without prior hearing, against any person engaged in the prohibited activities, directing such person to cease and desist from further illegal activities;
(2)Bring an action in the circuit court to enjoin the acts or practices to enforce compliance with §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, or any order under §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive; or
(3)Impose by order and collect a civil penalty against any person found in an administrative action to have violated any provision of §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, or any order issued under §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars per violation per person. The attorney general may bring actions to recover penalties pursuant to this subdivision in circuit court. All civil penalties received shall be deposited in the state general fund.
Any person named in a cease and desist order issued pursuant to §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, shall be notified of his or her right to file, within fifteen days after the receipt of the order, a written notice for a hearing with the attorney general. If the attorney general does not receive a written request for a hearing within the time specified, the cease and desist order shall be permanent and the person named in the order deemed to have waived all rights to a hearing. Every such order shall state its effective date and shall concisely state its intent or purpose and the grounds on which it is based. Any person aggrieved by a final order issued pursuant to §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, may obtain a review of the order in the circuit court pursuant to the provisions of chapter 1-26.
Upon a proper showing a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or writ of mandamus shall be granted and a receiver or conservator may be appointed for the defendant or defendant’s assets. In addition, upon a proper showing by the attorney general, the court may enter an order of rescission, restitution, or disgorgement directed to any person who has engaged in any act constituting a violation of any provision of §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive, or any order under §§37-33-1 to 37-33-11, inclusive. The court may not require the attorney general to post a bond. In addition to fines or penalties, the attorney general shall collect costs and attorney fees.
Source: SL 2003, ch 213, §10.