Section 34-11-16

Violations; civil penalties; notice and hearing; subpoena power; appeal.

(a) In addition to any other provisions of law, the board may enter an order assessing a civil penalty against any non-licensed person, corporation, or other entity found guilty by the board of, but not limited to, the following violations of this chapter.

(1) Engaging in the practice or offer to practice of engineering or land surveying in this jurisdiction without being licensed in accordance with this chapter.

(2) Using or employing the words "engineer," "engineering," "land surveyor," "land surveying," or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or form of business activity, except as authorized in this chapter.

(3) Presenting or attempting to use the certificate of licensure or the seal of another licensed engineer or licensed land surveyor.

(4) Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or a member of the board in obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate of licensure.

(5) Falsely impersonating another licensed engineer or licensed land surveyor of like or different name.

(6) Using or attempting to use a revoked or non-existent certificate of licensure.

(b) The board shall determine the amount of the civil penalty which shall be paid to the State General Fund. The amount shall not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each and every separate offense.

(c) Before issuing an order under this section, the board shall provide the person written notice and the opportunity to request, within 30 days of notice by the board, a hearing on the record.

(d) Pursuant to the proceedings under this section, the board may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the disclosure of evidence, and may request the Attorney General to bring an action to enforce a subpoena.

(e) A person aggrieved by the levy of a civil penalty under this section may file an appeal to the Circuit Court of Montgomery County exclusively for judicial review of the penalty within 60 days notwithstanding the Administrative Procedure Act. Unless an appeal is taken, or the penalty paid, the order of the board imposing the civil penalty shall become a judgment.

(f) If a person fails to pay a civil penalty within 30 days after entry of an order pursuant to subsection (a) or if the order is stayed pending an appeal, within 10 days after the court enters a final judgement in favor of the board of an order appealed pursuant to subsection (e), the board shall notify the Attorney General. The Attorney General may commence a civil action to recover the amount of the penalty, plus attorney's fees and costs.

(g) The cost to the board of the action shall be paid by the respondent if found in violation.

(Acts 1997, No. 97-683, p. 1332, §2.)