Section 156Sec./Art. 156

Cease and Desist Orders. - Whenever the Commission has reasonable basis to believe that a person has violated, or is about to violate this Code, a rule, regulation, or order of the Commission, it may direct such person to desist from committing the act constituting the violation.

The Commission may issue a cease and desist order ex parte to enjoin an act or practice which is fraudulent or can be reasonably expected to cause significant, imminent, and irreparable danger or injury to public safety or welfare. The ex parte order shall be valid for a maximum period of twenty (20) says, without prejudice to the order being made permanent after due notice and hearing.

Thereafter the Commission may proceed administratively against such person in accordance with Section 158 of this Code, and/or transmit evidence to the Department of Justice for preliminary investigation or criminal prosecution and/or initiate criminal prosecution for any violation of this Code, rule, or regulation.