Whenever it appears to the commissioner either upon complaint or otherwise, that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any act or practice or transaction which is prohibited by this chapter or by any order of the commissioner issued pursuant to any section of this chapter or which is declared to be illegal in this chapter, the commissioner may:

Terms Used In North Dakota Code 43-10.1-06.2

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • Person: means an individual, organization, government, political subdivision, or government agency or instrumentality. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.

1.    Issue any order, including cease and desist, stop, and suspension orders, which the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of purchasers. In addition to any other remedy authorized by this chapter, the commissioner may impose by order and collect a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars for each violation against any person found in an administrative action to have violated this chapter. The commissioner may bring an action in district court to recover penalties under this section. Any person aggrieved by an order issued under this subsection may request a hearing before the commissioner if the request is made, in writing, within ten days after receipt of the order. The hearing and any appeal therefrom must be held in accordance with chapter 28-32.

2.    Apply to the district court of any county in this state for an injunction restraining such person and the person’s agents, employees, partners, officers, and directors from continuing such act, practice, or transaction of engaging therein or doing any acts in furtherance thereof, and for such other and further relief as the facts may warrant. In any proceeding for an injunction, the commissioner may apply for and on due showing be entitled to have issued the court’s subpoena requiring the appearance forthwith of any defendant and the defendant’s agents, employees, partners, officers, or directors, and the production of such documents, books, and records as may appear necessary for the hearing upon the petition for an injunction. Upon proof of any of the offenses described in this section, the court may grant such injunction as the facts may warrant. The court may not require the commissioner to post a bond.