§3572.12. Violations; penalties

A. A loan made in violation of this Part shall not be invalid solely for that reason.

B. A person who violates a provision of this Part may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation. The commissioner may maintain a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover such a civil penalty, together with his costs and attorney fees incident to such action.

C.(1) The commissioner may, after a hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, suspend or revoke the license of a loan broker, upon a finding that any fact or condition exists which, if it had existed at the time of the original application for licensure, would have warranted the denying of its issuance.

(2) The commissioner may, after a hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, suspend or revoke the license of a loan broker, upon a finding that the loan broker violated a provision of this Part or a rule or regulation of the commissioner issued pursuant thereto, or that the loan broker willfully, either orally or in writing, misrepresented the terms, benefits, privileges, or provisions of any service contract issued or to be issued by the loan broker or by any lender.

D. The contracting to receive any fee, interest, or other charge in violation of this Chapter shall result in forfeiture by the loan broker to the benefit of the aggrieved person of the entire fee, plus damages in the amount of twice the fee. In case the fee has been paid, the person by whom it has been paid may recover from the loan broker the amount of the fee thus paid, plus damages in the amount of twice the fee.

E. Whenever it shall appear to the commissioner, either upon complaint or otherwise, that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any act, practice, or transaction which is prohibited by this Part or by any order of the commissioner issued pursuant to any Section of this Part, or which is declared to be illegal in this Part, the commissioner may, in his discretion:

(1) Issue any order, including but not limited to cease and desist orders, which he deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of the public. Any person aggrieved by an order issued pursuant to this Subsection may request a hearing before the commissioner if such request is made within ten days after receipt of the order. Any such hearing or appeal therefrom shall be held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

(2) Apply to the district court of any parish in this state for an injunction restraining such person and the agents, employees, partners, officers, and directors of such person from continuing such act, practice, or transaction or engaging therein or doing any acts in furtherance thereof, and for such other and further relief as he deems necessary.

Acts 1986, No. 729, §1; Acts 1992, No. 353, §1, eff. June 17, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 1419, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1160, §1.