51:1-96. Penalties for using false weights

a. No person shall use, or cause to be used, or have in his possession: (1) a weight or measure found to be incorrect after having been theretofore duly tested and sealed; or (2) a false weight, measure or other apparatus for the measurement of a physical property, or for determining the quantity or value of any commodity or article of merchandise, or service, or both. Any person who violates this subsection shall for the first offense be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00, and for a second offense to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $250.00, and for each subsequent offense to a civil penalty of not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00.

b. No person shall be convicted of or assessed a civil penalty for a second or subsequent offense pursuant to this section unless the previous conviction:

(1) Occurred no earlier than one year prior to the occurrence of the second or subsequent offense; and

(2) Occurred at the same place of business as the second or subsequent offense. For the purposes of this subsection, "same place of business" means identical store or outlet.

c. Nothing in this section shall be deemed: (1) to authorize or permit the imposition of penalties for a second or subsequent offense in conjunction with an adjudication of guilt based upon multiple counts or complaints arising from the same inspection, or (2) to mandate the imposition of penalties for a second or subsequent offense, if, in the discretion of the court, the imposition of a penalty for a first offense would be just and proper.

Amended by L. 1953, c. 48, p. 839, s. 3; L. 1969, c. 251, s. 25, eff. Jan. 7, 1970; L. 1986, c. 167, s. 13, eff. Dec. 3, 1986.