(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Commission shall commence proceedings under § 17–322 of this subtitle on a complaint made to the Commission by a member of the Commission or any other person.
(b) (1) A complaint shall:
(i) be in writing; and
(ii) state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.
(2) If a complaint is made by any person other than a member of the Commission, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint.
(3) A complaint may be accompanied by documentary or other evidence.
(c) (1) The Commission, or its designee, shall review each complaint received by the Commission. A complaint shall be referred for investigation if, after a review under this subsection, it is determined that the complaint:
(i) alleges facts that establish a prima facie case that is grounds for disciplinary action under § 17–322 of this subtitle; and
(ii) meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
(2) A complaint not referred for investigation under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be dismissed, and any appeal shall be taken under paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(3) (i) If a complaint is dismissed under paragraph (2) of this subsection, within 30 days from the date of the dismissal any member of the Commission may file an exception to the decision.
(ii) If an exception is filed with the Commission under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Commission shall set a hearing on the matter by the full Commission on whether the complaint satisfies the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection. If the Commission determines that the complaint is satisfactory, the matter shall be referred for an investigation.
(iii) If an exception is not filed within the time allowed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:
1. the decision of the Commission is final; and
2. any party aggrieved by the decision may take a judicial appeal as provided in § 17–329 of this subtitle.
(d) (1) On completion, an investigation shall be referred directly to the Commission or its designee.
(2) If the Commission or its designee determines there is a reasonable basis to believe any grounds exist for disciplinary action under § 17–322 of this subtitle, the investigation shall be referred for a hearing in accordance with § 17–324 of this subtitle.
(3) A complaint not referred for a hearing by the Commission or its designee shall be dismissed, and any party aggrieved by the decision may take a judicial appeal as provided in § 17–329 of this subtitle.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Business Occupations and Professions
Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers
Section 17-301 - License Required
Section 17-302 - Sale of Property by Owner
Section 17-303 - Qualifications of Applicants for Real Estate Salesperson License
Section 17-304 - Qualifications of Applicants for Associate Real Estate Broker License
Section 17-305 - Qualifications of Applicants for Real Estate Broker License
Section 17-307 - Applications for Licenses
Section 17-308 - Waiver of Requirements
Section 17-310 - Scope of Licenses
Section 17-311 - Transfer of Affiliation
Section 17-312 - Exchange of License
Section 17-313 - Additional Licenses and Affiliations
Section 17-314 - Term and Renewal of Licenses
Section 17-315 - Continuing Education
Section 17-316 - Inactive Status
Section 17-317 - Display of License Certificates; Loss or Destruction of Certificate or Pocket Card
Section 17-318 - Change of Name of Licensee or Firm
Section 17-319 - Disability or Death of Real Estate Broker
Section 17-320 - Employment of and Contractual Arrangements With Salespersons and Associate Brokers
Section 17-321 - Practice Through Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or Partnership Authorized
Section 17-322 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, Revocations, and Penalties -- Grounds
Section 17-322.1 - Failure to Disclose Certain Facts -- Disease, Death, Felony
Section 17-323 - Failure to Disclose Certain Facts -- Commencement of Proceedings
Section 17-324 - Failure to Disclose Certain Facts -- Hearings
Section 17-325 - Real Estate Hearing Board
Section 17-326 - Referral of Cases; Procedure Before Hearing Board
Section 17-327 - Summary Revocation of Licenses Based on Actions of Other Agencies
Section 17-328 - Summary Suspension of Licenses for Trust Fund Violations