(a) On or after April 28, 1999, any person who knowingly, willfully, or intentionally violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Each day of violation shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.
(b) When it appears to the board that any person is violating any of the provisions of this chapter, the board may in its own name bring an action in the circuit court for an injunction, and the court may enjoin any person from violating this chapter regardless of whether the proceedings have been or may be instituted before the board or whether criminal proceedings have been or may be instituted.
(c) In addition to any other provisions of law, the board may enter an order assessing a civil penalty against any nonregistered person, corporation, or other entity found guilty by the board of, but not limited to, the following violations of this chapter:
(1) Engaging in the practice or offer to practice architecture in this jurisdiction without being registered in accordance with this chapter.
(2) Using or employing the words architect, architecture, or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or form of business activity, except as authorized in this chapter.
(3) Presenting to the board or a member of the board or attempting to use the certificate of registration or the seal of another registered architect to obtain or attempt to obtain a certificate of registration.
(4) Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or a member of the board in obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate of registration.
(5) Falsely impersonating another registered architect of like or different name.
(6) Using or attempting to use a revoked or nonexistent certificate of registration.
(7) Directing the professional judgment of a registered architect who is responsible for the practice of architecture.
(d) The board shall determine the amount of the civil penalty which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day the violation continues and shall not be greater than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) total per violation.
(e) Before issuing an order under this section, the board shall provide the person written notice and the opportunity to request, within 30 days of the notice by the board, a hearing on the record.
(f) Pursuant to the proceedings under this section, the board may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and disclosure of evidence and may request the Attorney General to bring an action to enforce a subpoena.
(g) A person aggrieved by the levy of a civil penalty under this section may file an appeal to the Circuit Court of Montgomery County exclusively for judicial review of the penalty within 30 days, notwithstanding the Administrative Procedure Act. Unless an appeal is taken or the penalty paid, the order of the board imposing the civil penalty shall become a judgment.
(h) If a person fails to pay a civil penalty within 30 days after entry of an order pursuant to subsection (c) or if the order is stayed pending an appeal, within 10 days after the court enters a final judgment in favor of the board of an order appealed pursuant to subsection (g), the board shall notify the Attorney General. The Attorney General may commence a civil action to recover the amount of the penalty plus attorney's fees and costs.
(i) The cost to the board of the action shall be paid by the respondent if found in violation.
Last modified: May 3, 2021