(a) When, as a result of an investigation under this article or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a person has knowingly violated the provisions of this article, the board may bring its information to the attention of the Attorney General or other appropriate law-enforcement officer who may cause appropriate criminal proceedings to be brought.
(b) Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $2,500 or confined in the county or regional jail not more than one year, or both fined and imprisoned.