Section 2-12-50. Notice and prosecution of violations; hearings; penalty

   (a) If it appears to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's agents that this article or the rules and regulations issued under this article have been violated, the Commissioner shall cause notice of the violation to be given to the licensee, distributor, or person responsible; and the persons notified shall be given an opportunity to be heard in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." If it appears after such hearing that any of the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this article have been violated, the Commissioner may certify the facts to the court having jurisdiction for prosecution as a misdemeanor or other appropriate action.

(b) Any person violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed as requiring the Commissioner to report a violation of this article for prosecution or for the institution of seizure proceedings when the Commissioner believes that the public interest will best be served by other methods.

Code 1981, § 2-12-50, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1183, § 1.