§ 5-210. Soliciting business

MD Crim Pro Code § 5-210 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)    “Agent” means a person that acts or is authorized to act as the representative of a bail bondsman.

(3)    (i)    “Bail bondsman” means a licensed limited surety agent or a licensed professional bail bondsman.

(ii)    “Bail bondsman” does not include a person that contracts with a public agency to provide bail bonds to persons detained in a correctional facility.

(b)    On the grounds of a courthouse or correctional facility, a bail bondsman, an agent of a bail bondsman, an employee of the courthouse, or an employee of a correctional facility may not:

(1)    approach, entice, or invite a person to use the services of a specific bail bondsman;

(2)    distribute, display, or wear an item that advertises the services of a bail bondsman; or

(3)    otherwise solicit business as a bail bondsman.

(c)    A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

(1)    a fine not exceeding $2,500, and if licensed in accordance with the Insurance Article, a 30–day license suspension for a first offense; and

(2)    a fine not exceeding $5,000, and if licensed in accordance with the Insurance Article, a 90–day license suspension for a subsequent offense.

(d)    A person convicted of a violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be referred to the Insurance Commissioner for appropriate action.