Part VI – Criminal Penalties

If, while considering a complaint, the Ethics Board finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent has committed a criminal offense, the Board must promptly refer the matter to the appropriate prosecuting authority.

The Ethics Board must make available to the prosecuting authority all pertinent evidence under its control.

Any person who knowingly violates a provision of Subtitle 8 {“Lobbying”} of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, or fails to comply with an administrative sanction imposed under <cite data-path="|8|§9-5">§ 9-5 {“Lobbying violations”} of this subtitle</cite>, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months or both.

If the person is a business or other entity, each officer or partner of the entity who knowingly authorizes or participates in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to the penalty specified in subsection (a) of this section.