30-14-222. Injunctions -- damages -- production of evidence. (1) A person who is or will be injured or the department may bring an action to enjoin an act that is in violation of 30-14-205 through 30-14-214 or 30-14-216 through 30-14-218 and for the recovery of damages. If the court finds that the defendant is violating or has violated any of the provisions of 30-14-205 through 30-14-214 or 30-14-216 through 30-14-218, the court shall enjoin the defendant. It is not necessary to allege or prove actual damages to the plaintiff.

(2) (a) In addition to injunctive relief, the plaintiff is entitled to recover from the defendant the greater of three times the amount of actual damages sustained or $1,000.

(b) In addition to any amount recovered pursuant to subsection (2)(a), a plaintiff who proves a violation of 30-14-209 is entitled to $500 a day for each day that a violation of 30-14-209 occurred.

(3) A defendant in an action brought under this section may be required to testify under the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. In addition, the books and records of the defendant may be brought into court and introduced into evidence by reference. Information obtained pursuant to this subsection may not be used against the defendant as a basis for prosecution under 30-14-205 through 30-14-214, 30-14-216 through 30-14-218, or 30-14-224.

(4) In an action brought by a party other than the department, the prevailing party is entitled to attorney fees and costs.

History: En. Sec. 10, Ch. 80, L. 1937; Sec. 51-111, R.C.M. 1947; amd. and redes. 51-521 by Sec. 21, Ch. 518, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 51-521; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 322, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 41, Ch. 130, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 280, L. 2005.