Section 43-17-23. Violations of chapter

   (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, any person who shall willfully violate any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who shall willfully violate subsection (d) of Code Section 43-17-12 shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both.

(c) Nothing in this chapter shall limit any statutory or common-law right of the state to punish any person for violation of any law.

Code 1981, § 43-17-23, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 490, § 1.