§ 923. Procedure for prosecuting violations

The examination of economic poisons shall be made under the direction of the Secretary for the purpose of determining whether they comply with the requirements of this chapter. If it shall appear from such examination that an economic poison fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter, and the Secretary contemplates instituting criminal proceedings against any person, the Secretary shall cause appropriate notice to be given to such person. Any person so notified shall be given an opportunity to present his or her views, either orally or in writing, with regard to such contemplated proceedings and if thereafter in the opinion of the Secretary it shall appear that the provisions of the chapter have been violated by such person, then the Secretary shall refer the facts to the State‘s Attorney for the county in which the violation shall have occurred with a copy of the results of the analysis or the examination of such article. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring the Secretary to report for prosecution or for the institution of libel proceedings minor violations of the chapter whenever he or she believes that the public interests will be best served by a suitable notice of warning in writing. (Amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, May 27, 2003.)