Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a licensing authority shall comply with Subtitle 2 of this title before taking any action under this subtitle: in regard to an initial license application or an application for a license renewal; or against a licensee. The Maryland Rules shall govern in the case of a lawyer or an applicant for admission to the bar. In deciding whether to deny an application for a license or whether to impose license sanctions against a licensee and the nature of the sanctions, a licensing authority shall consider: the relationship between the drug crime and the license, including: the licensee’s ability to perform the tasks authorized by the license; and whether the public will be protected if: in the case of an applicant, the license is issued; or in the case of a licensee, the license is not suspended or revoked; the nature and circumstances of the drug crime; the date of the drug crime, if an individual is applying for a license or license renewal; and any other relevant information. If a licensing authority decides that sanctions against a licensee may be appropriate, before imposing sanctions the licensing authority: shall consider the impact any sanctions may have on third persons; and to protect the rights of innocent third persons, may take any action that is in the interests of justice and that is not inconsistent with this subtitle. If a licensing authority decides to suspend or revoke a license, the licensing authority may grant the licensee a reasonable time period to complete any existing contracts.