# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 12. Secondhand Precious Metal Object Dealers and Pawnbrokers

### Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 12-502

(a)

  (1) A person who willfully or knowingly violates this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.

  (2) Each associate, employee, manager, or partner who participates in or consents to a violation of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

  (3) Each violation of this title is a separate offense.

(b)

  (1) The Secretary may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.

  (2) In setting the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall consider:

    (i) the seriousness of the violation;

    (ii) the harm caused by the violation;

    (iii) the good faith of the violator;

    (iv) any history of previous violations by the violator; and

    (v) any other relevant factors.

  (3) The Secretary shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.

---

Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)