Section 7-308 - Reprimands, suspensions, and revocations - Grounds. - Maryland Statutes

§ 7-308. Reprimands, suspensions, and revocations - Grounds.
 

(a)  In general.- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 7-309 of this subtitle, the Board may reprimand a licensee or suspend or revoke a license if the licensee or any owner, director, officer, member, partner, or agent of the licensee: 

(1) makes any material misstatement in an application for a license; 

(2) is convicted under the laws of the United States or of any state of: 

(i) a felony; or 

(ii) a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the person to engage in the collection agency business; 

(3) in connection with the collection of any consumer claim: 

(i) commits any fraud; or 

(ii) engages in any illegal or dishonest activities; 

(4) knowingly or negligently violates the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act; or 

(5) fails to comply with a lawful order that the Board passes under this title. 

(b)  Multiple licenses.- If the Board finds that a ground for suspension or revocation of a license applies to more than 1 place of business that the licensee operates, the Board may act against: 

(1) each license of the licensee; or 

(2) only the licenses to which the ground applies. 

(c)  Considerations.- In determining whether to reprimand a licensee or to suspend or revoke a license for a reason described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the Board shall consider: 

(1) the nature of the crime; 

(2) the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license; 

(3) with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the licensee to engage in the collection agency business; 

(4) the length of time since the conviction; and 

(5) the behavior and activities of the licensee since the conviction. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 56, §§ 325, 329; 1992, ch. 4, § 2; 2007, ch. 472.]