§ 5-20.5-17. Penalties for violations.
(a) Any person acting as a broker or as a salesperson without first obtaining a license is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed one year, or both; and if a corporation, is punishable by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any person upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense is punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two (2) years, or both; and if a corporation, by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(b) In case any person has received any money, or the equivalent, as a fee, commission, compensation, or profit by or in consequence of a violation of any provision of this chapter, he or she, in addition, is liable to a penalty of not less than the amount of the sum of money received and not more than three (3) times the sum received, as may be determined by the court, which penalty may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction by any person aggrieved.
History of Section.P.L. 1973, ch. 215, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
Chapter 5-20.5 - Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Section 5-20.5-1. - Definitions.
Section 5-20.5-2. - Persons exempt.
Section 5-20.5-3. - Contents of application — Application fee — Recommendations required.
Section 5-20.5-4. - Examination of applicants — Examination fee — Licensing without examination.
Section 5-20.5-5. - Real estate recovery account.
Section 5-20.5-8. - Corporations, partnerships, or associations engaging in business.
Section 5-20.5-9. - Temporary license issued to representative of deceased broker.
Section 5-20.5-11. - Fees and license renewals.
Section 5-20.5-13. - [Repealed.]
Section 5-20.5-14. - Revocation, suspension of license — Probationary period — Penalties.
Section 5-20.5-15. - Hearings before revocation or suspension of license.
Section 5-20.5-17. - Penalties for violations.
Section 5-20.5-18. - Department assistance in educational programs.
Section 5-20.5-21. - Actions for recovery of fee or commission.
Section 5-20.5-22. - Severability.
Section 5-20.5-23. - [Repealed.]
Section 5-20.5-24. - [Repealed.]
Section 5-20.5-25. - Errors and omissions insurance required of real estate licensees.
Section 5-20.5-27. - License required for ownership.
Section 5-20.5-28. - Order to cease unsafe practices — Appeal.