Section 2-8-34. Referral for institution of legal proceedings; administrative hearing; cease and desist order

   (a) The Commissioner on his own motion may, and upon the complaint of any interested party charging a violation of any provision of this article or of any provision of any marketing order or any rule or regulation issued by the Commissioner or commission and effective under this article shall, either refer the matter directly to the Attorney General of this state or to any prosecuting attorney of this state for the institution of legal proceedings thereupon or, if the Commissioner deems it necessary or advisable, immediately call an administrative hearing, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," governing contested cases, to consider the charges set forth in such verified complaint.

(b) In case the matter is referred directly by the Commissioner to the Attorney General or any prosecuting attorney, it shall be the duty of such officer, if after examination of the complaint and the evidence he believes that a violation has occurred, to bring an appropriate action or actions in a court or courts of competent jurisdiction in this state.

(c) After an administrative hearing, if the Commissioner finds that a violation has occurred, he shall enter his findings and notify the parties to such complaint. In his discretion, the Commissioner shall either refer the matter to the Attorney General for the institution of legal proceedings or notify such parties to cease and desist from further violation. Upon the refusal or failure of such parties to comply or if he finds that the facts or circumstances warrant immediate prosecution, the Commissioner shall file a complaint with the Attorney General or with any prosecuting attorney of this state requesting that such officer commence any or all actions authorized in this article against such respondent or respondents in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Ga. L. 1961, p. 301, § 18; Ga. L. 1968, p. 398, § 12; Ga. L. 1969, p. 763, § 19; Code 1981, § 2-8-26; Code 1981, § 2-8-34, as redesignated by Ga. L. 1989, p. 1420, § 1.