Section 379.790 - Penalty for acting without legal authority1. It is unlawful for any attorney to exchange any contracts of indemnity of the kind and character specified in sections 379.650 to 379.790, or directly or indirectly solicit or negotiate any applications for same without first complying with the foregoing provisions. However, the director may, in his discretion and on such terms as he may prescribe, issue a permit for organization purposes, the permit to continue in force or be cancelled at the pleasure of the director.2. If the director determines that a person has engaged, is engaging in, or has taken a substantial step toward engaging in an act, practice or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, or that a person has materially aided or is materially aiding an act, practice, omission, or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, the director may issue such administrative orders as authorized under section 374.046. A violation of this section is a level one violation under section 374.049.3. If the director believes that a person has engaged, is engaging in, or has taken a substantial step toward engaging in an act, practice or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, or that a person has materially aided or is materially aiding an act, practice, omission, or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, the director may maintain a civil action for relief authorized under section 374.048. A violation of this section is a level one violation under section 374.049.Prior revisions: 1929 § 5974; 1919 § 6382