Section 12105 Of Chapter 2. Application Of Division From California Financial Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 2.
12105
. (a) Whenever it appears to the commissioner that any person
has engaged or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting
a violation of any provision of this division, or any rule or order
promulgated pursuant to this division, the commissioner may, at his
or her discretion, bring an action in the name of the people of the
State of California in the superior court to enjoin the acts or
practices or to enforce compliance. Upon a proper showing, a
permanent or preliminary injunction, a regaining order, or a writ of
mandate shall be granted and a receiver or conservator may be
appointed for the defendant's assets.
(b) If the commissioner determines it is in the public interest,
the commissioner may include in any action under this division a
claim for ancillary relief, including, but not limited to, a claim
for restitution or disgorgement or damages on behalf of the persons
injured by the act or practice constituting the subject matter of the
action, and the administrative or civil court shall have
jurisdiction to award an additional relief.
(c) The commissioner may, after appropriate notice and opportunity
for hearing, levy administrative penalties against any person or
licensee who violates any provision of this division, or rule or
order promulgated pursuant to this division, in an amount not to
exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per violation. Any
hearing shall be held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure
Act, Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division
3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the commissioner shall have
all of the powers granted under this act. If no hearing is requested
within 30 days from the date of service of the order, the order
shall become final.
(d) Any licensee or person who willfully violates any provision of
this division, or any rule or order thereunder, shall be liable for
a civil penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each
violation, which shall be assessed and recovered in a civil action
brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the
commissioner in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(e) In any action brought under this division, the commissioner is
entitled to receive costs, which in the discretion of the
administrative or civil court shall include an amount representing
reasonable attorney's fees and any related expenses for services
rendered.