Section 320. Disciplinary action; sanctions; publication of records

Article 2. Department Actions

A. Each person subject to jurisdiction of this regulation who violates any statute or regulation pertaining to bail bondsman services shall be subject to sanctions imposed by the department regardless of criminal prosecution.

B. The department may impose any of the following sanctions, singly or in combination, when it finds the respondent in violation or in noncompliance of the Code of Virginia or of this regulation:

1. Letter of reprimand or censure;

2. Probation for any period of time;

3. Suspension of license or approval granted, for any period of time;

4. Revocation;

5. Refusal to issue or renew a license or approval;

6. Fine not to exceed $2,500 per violation as long as the respondent was not criminally prosecuted; or

7. Remedial training.

C. The department may conduct hearings and issue cease and desist orders to persons who engage in activities prohibited by this regulation but do not hold a valid license, certification or registration. Any person in violation of a cease and desist order entered by the department shall be subject to all of the remedies provided by law and, in addition, shall be subject to a civil penalty payable to the party injured by the violation.

D. The director (chief administrative officer of the department) may summarily suspend a license under this regulation without a hearing, simultaneously with the filing of a formal complaint and notice for a hearing, if the director finds that the continued operations of the licensee would constitute a life-threatening situation, or has resulted in personal injury or loss to the public or to a consumer, or that may result in imminent harm, personal injury or loss.

E. All proceedings pursuant to this section are matters of public record and shall be preserved. The department may publish a list of the names and addresses of all licensees whose conduct and activities are subject to this regulation and have been sanctioned or denied licensure or approval.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. August 20, 2008.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-185.2 of the Code of Virginia.