South Carolina § 39-73-325 - Penalties for willful violation; for unknowing violation; reference to Attorney General for criminal proceedings.

§ 39-73-325. Penalties for willful violation; for unknowing violation; reference to Attorney General for criminal proceedings.

(A) A person who wilfully violates this chapter or a regulation or order of the administrator under this chapter, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, for each violation.

(B) A person convicted of violating this chapter or a regulation or order under this chapter may be fined but must not be imprisoned if the person proves he had no knowledge of the rule or order.

(C) The administrator may refer evidence available concerning violations of this chapter or a regulation or order of the administrator to the appropriate division of the Office of Attorney General, the appropriate solicitor, or other appropriate prosecution, law enforcement, or licensing authorities who, with or without a reference from the administrator, may institute the appropriate criminal proceedings under this chapter.

HISTORY: 1993 Act No. 68, SECTION 1, eff 200 days after approval (approved May 14, 1993); 2025 Act No. 67 (H.4247), SECTION 6, eff May 22, 2025.

Effect of Amendment

2025 Act No. 67, SECTION 6, in (A) and (B), inserted "this chapter or" preceding "a regulation"; and in (C), substituted "appropriate division of the Office of Attorney General, the appropriate solicitor, or other appropriate prosecution, law enforcement, or licensing authorities" for "Attorney General, or the appropriate solicitor".