(1) Any person who violates any provision of this article or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this article is subject to a civil penalty, as determined by the commissioner or a court of competent jurisdiction. The maximum penalty shall not exceed one thousand dollars per violation; except that such penalty may be doubled if it is determined, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the person has violated the provision, rule, or regulation for the second time.
No civil penalty may be imposed by the commissioner unless the person charged isgiven notice and opportunity for a hearing pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.
If the commissioner is unable to collect such civil penalty or if any person fails topay all or a set portion of the civil penalty as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner may bring suit to recover such amount plus costs and attorney fees by action in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Before imposing any civil penalty, the commissioner or a court of competent jurisdiction may consider the effect of such penalty on the ability of the person charged to stay in business.
Source: L. 90: Entire article R&RE, p. 1589, § 1, effective May 31. L. 96: (1), (2), and
(4) amended, p. 1379, § 9, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 35-10-120 as it existed prior to 1990.