No individual claiming benefits shall be charged fees of any kind in any proceeding under this chapter by the commissioner of the department of employment security, or by his representative or by any court or by any officer thereof. Any individual claiming benefits before the commissioner or his representative may be represented by counsel or other duly authorized agent; but no such counsel or agent shall either charge or receive for such services more than an amount approved by the commissioner. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.