Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a final judgment or decree rendered in a criminal proceeding or civil action brought by the Attorney General under this subtitle to the effect that a defendant has violated this subtitle is prima facie evidence against the defendant in an action for damages brought by another party against him under § 11-209(b) of this subtitle with respect to all matters where the judgment or decree would be an estoppel between the parties to it. This section does not apply to a civil consent judgment or decree entered before any testimony is taken.