(a) Whenever, by reason of an investigation under § 20-280c or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a person or firm has knowingly engaged in acts or practices that constitute a violation of § 20-281g, the board may bring its information to the attention of the state’s attorney for the judicial district in which the firm practices, and the state’s attorney, in his discretion, may cause appropriate criminal proceedings to be brought against said firm.

(b) A person or firm who knowingly violates any provision of § 20-281g shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.