Code of the District of Columbia

§ 48–109. Prosecutions; violations.

(a) Whenever the Mayor has reason to believe that there has been a violation of this chapter or the rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter, the Mayor shall give written notice of the alleged violation to the licensee, person in charge, or employee. The notice shall state the nature of the violation and shall allow a reasonable time for the performance of the necessary corrective measures. Failure to comply shall result in penalties as set forth in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or the rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. Each day of a violation shall constitute a separate offense and the penalties prescribed shall apply separately to each offense.

(c) Any person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or the rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall be punished by a fine not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571, or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both. Each day of a violation shall constitute a separate offense and the penalties prescribed shall apply separately to each offense. Prosecutions for violations of this subsection shall be brought in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by the Corporation Counsel for the District of Columbia.

(d) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this chapter, or any rules issued under the authority of this chapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2.

(e) Any person who contests a final order of the Mayor issued pursuant to this chapter, after exhaustion of all administrative remedies, is entitled to judicial review of the final order upon filing a written petition for review in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.