Section 10-5-57. Penalties for violations

   (a) A person that willfully violates this chapter, or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, except Code Section 10-5-53 or the notice filing requirements of Code Section 10-5-21 or 10-5-34, or that willfully violates Code Section 10-5-54 knowing the statement made to be false or misleading in a material respect, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $500,000.00 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. An individual convicted of violating a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter may be fined but may not be imprisoned if the individual did not have knowledge of the rule or order.

(b) The Attorney General or the proper prosecuting attorney with or without a reference from the Commissioner may institute criminal proceedings under this chapter.

(c) This chapter does not limit the power of this state to punish a person for conduct that constitutes a crime under other laws of this state.

Code 1981, § 10-5-57, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 381, § 1/SB 358.