Illinois § 20-5

§ 20-5.

Unlicensed practice; civil penalty. (a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as an auctioneer, an auction firm, or any other licensee under this Act without being licensed under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense as determined by the Department. The civil penalty fine shall be assessed by the Department after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding a hearing for the discipline of a license. (b) The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity pursuant to this Act. (c) The civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner from any court of record. (d) Conducting an auction or providing an auction service in Illinois without holding a valid and current license under this Act is declared to be adverse to the public welfare, to constitute a public nuisance, and to cause irreparable harm to the public welfare. The Secretary, the Attorney General, the State's Attorney of any county in the State, or any other person may maintain an action in the name of the People of the State of Illinois and may apply for injunctive relief in any circuit court to enjoin the person or entity from engaging in such practice. Upon the filing of a verified petition in a circuit court, the court, if satisfied by affidavit or otherwise that the person or entity has been engaged in the practice of auctioning without a valid and current license, may enter a temporary restraining order without notice or bond enjoining the defendant from further practice. Only the showing of non-licensure, by affidavit or otherwise, is necessary in order for a temporary injunction to be issued. A copy of the verified complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other civil cases except as modified by this Section. If it is established that the defendant has been or is engaged in unlawful practice, the court may enter an order or judgment perpetually enjoining the defendant from further practice. In all proceedings hereunder, the court, in its discretion, may apportion the costs among the parties interested in the action, including cost of filing the complaint, service of process, witness fees and expenses, court reporter charges, and reasonable attorneys' fees. In case of violation of any injunctive order entered under the provisions of this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. These injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this Act. (Source: P.A. 95-572, eff. 6-1-08; 96-730, eff. 8-25-09.)