No person shall make any charge or receive any fee for representing any applicant or recipient of assistance in any proceeding hereunder except as to criminal proceedings brought pursuant to Section 43-29-23 of this chapter; or with respect to any application whether such fee or charge be paid by the applicant or recipient or by any other person or persons. Any violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and be punishable as provided in Section 43-29-23.