(A) A person that knowingly and wilfully violates a provision of this chapter with the intent to deceive or defraud an individual or a charitable organization is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction for a first offense, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. For a second offense or subsequent offense, a person is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(B) A person that knowingly and wilfully gives false or misleading information to the Secretary of State in a registration, filing statement, or report required by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction for a first offense, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. For a second offense or subsequent offense, a person is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(C) A person that is convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere pursuant to subsection (A) or (B) forfeits the bond described in Section 33-56-110 to the Secretary of State and is prohibited from serving as a professional solicitor or fundraising counsel in this State for a minimum of five years from the date of the conviction.

(D) A violation of this chapter involving a solicitation is considered to be committed at the place where the solicitation was either initiated or was received.

HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 336, Section 1.