Montana Code 32-5-402. Investigations by department — subpoenas — oaths — examination of witnesses and evidence
32-5-402. Investigations by department — subpoenas — oaths — examination of witnesses and evidence. (1) The department may at any time investigate any transaction with borrowers and may examine the books, accounts, and records to discover violations of this chapter by:
Terms Used In Montana Code 32-5-402
- Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
- State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- Subpoena duces tecum: A command to a witness to produce documents.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(a)a licensee; or
(b)a person who the department has reason to believe is violating or is about to violate this chapter.
(2)The department or the department’s authorized representatives must be given free access to the offices and places of business and files of all licensees. The department may investigate any matter, upon complaint or otherwise, if it appears that a person has engaged in or offered to engage in any act or practice that is in violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted or order issued by the department pursuant to this chapter.
(3)The department may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, papers, books, records, and other evidence before it in any matter over which it has jurisdiction, control, or supervision pertaining to this chapter. The department may administer oaths and affirmations to a person whose testimony is required.
(4)If a person refuses to obey a subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, a judge of the district court in the county in which the licensed premises are located or in the district court of Lewis and Clark County if no licensed premises are maintained in the state may, upon application and proof of the refusal, issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum for the witness to appear before the department to give testimony and produce evidence as may be required. The clerk of court shall then issue the subpoena, as directed, under the seal of the court, requiring the person to whom it is directed to appear at the time and place designated in the subpoena.
(5)If a person served with a subpoena refuses to obey the subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, the department may proceed under the contempt provisions of Title 3, chapter 1, part 5.
(6)Failure to comply with the requirements of a court-ordered subpoena is punishable pursuant to 45-7-309.