Section 5-210 - Soliciting business.

§ 5-210. Soliciting business.
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(2) "Agent" means a person that acts or is authorized to act as the representative of a bail bondsman. 

(3) (i) "Bail bondsman" means a licensed limited surety agent or a licensed professional bail bondsman. 

(ii) "Bail bondsman" does not include a person that contracts with a public agency to provide bail bonds to persons detained in a correctional facility. 

(b)  Prohibited acts.- On the grounds of a courthouse or correctional facility, a bail bondsman or an agent of a bail bondsman may not: 

(1) approach, entice, or invite a person to use the services of a bail bondsman; 

(2) distribute, display, or wear an item that advertises the services of a bail bondsman; or 

(3) otherwise solicit business as a bail bondsman. 

(c)  Penalties.- A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: 

(1) a fine not exceeding $100 for a first offense; and 

(2) a fine not exceeding $1,000 for a subsequent offense. 

(d)  Referral to Insurance Commissioner.- A person convicted of a violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be referred to the Insurance Commissioner for appropriate action. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 6161/2A; 2001, ch. 10, § 2.]