Section 324.8333 - Violation; administrative fine; warning; action to recover fine; misdemeanors; injunction; action by attorney general; compliance as affirmative defense; gross negligence; applicability of revised judicature act(1) A person who violates this part is subject to the penalties and remedies provided in this part regardless of whether he or she acted alone or through an employee or agent.(2) The director, upon finding after notice and an opportunity for a hearing that a person has violated or attempted to violate any provision of this part, may impose an administrative fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation of this part.(3) If the director finds that a violation or attempted violation occurred despite the exercise of due care or did not result in significant harm to human health or the environment, the director may issue a warning instead of imposing an administrative fine.(4) The director shall advise the attorney general of the failure of a person to pay an administrative fine imposed under this section. The attorney general may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for the failure to pay an administrative fine imposed under this section.(5) A person who violates this part or attempts to violate this part is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both, for each offense.(6) The director may bring an action to enjoin a violation of this part or an attempted violation of this part in a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the violation occurs or is about to occur.(7) The attorney general may file a civil action in which the court may impose on any person who violates this part or attempts to violate this part a civil fine of not more than $5,000.00 for each violation or attempted violation. In addition, the attorney general may bring an action in circuit court to recover the reasonable costs of the investigation from any person who violated this part or attempted to violate this part. Money recovered under this subsection shall be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit into the pesticide control fund created in section 8318.(8) In defense of an action filed under this section, in addition to any other lawful defense, a person may present evidence as an affirmative defense that, at the time of the alleged violation of this part or attempted violation of this part, he or she was in compliance with label directions and with this part and rules promulgated under this part at the time of the alleged violation.(9) A civil cause of action does not arise for injuries to any person or property if a private agricultural applicator, or a registered applicator who stores, handles, or applies pesticides only for a private agricultural purpose, was not grossly negligent and stored, handled, or applied pesticides in compliance with this part, rules promulgated under this part, and the pesticide labeling.(10) Applicable provisions of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.101 to 600.9948, apply to civil actions filed pursuant to this part.1994, Act 451, Eff. 3/30/1995 ;--Am. 2002, Act 418, Eff. 9/3/2002.