7-10-9. Penalties.

It is unlawful for a litigation financier to enter into or offer to enter into a litigation financing agreement unless such litigation financier is registered under this chapter.#

A person that willfully violates this chapter shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned not less than one nor more than five years, or fined not more than $10,000.00, or both; provided, however, that on the recommendation of the jury trying the case, when such recommendation is approved by the judge presiding on the trial, such crime shall be punished as a misdemeanor. If the judge trying the case deems it proper, such judge may, in fixing the punishment, reduce such felony to a misdemeanor.#

The commissioner may refer to the Attorney General or the proper prosecuting attorney the name of any person acting as a litigation financier that is not registered or any applicant or registrant that is or may not be in compliance with this chapter; provided, however, that the Attorney General or the proper prosecuting attorney may institute criminal proceedings under this chapter with or without such referral.#

This chapter does not limit the power of this state to punish a person for conduct that constitutes a crime under other laws of this state.#