A. Liability For Violations: In the case of any violations of this chapter by a committee, the treasurer and any principal officers or, in the case of a controlled committee, the candidate, may be liable for violations as provided herein. In the case of any violations of this chapter by a ballot measure committee, the treasurer, any principal officers, and any person primarily responsible for the preparation of any advertisement may be liable for violations as provided herein. If two (2) or more persons are liable for any violation, they shall be jointly and severally liable.
B. Misdemeanor Violations And Fines: Any person or candidate for elective office who knowingly or wilfully violates any provision of section 1-8-3, 1-8-5 or 1-8-6 of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Allegations that such violations have occurred may, in the discretion of the city attorney, be referred to the Los Angeles County district attorney for investigation and prosecution.
C. Civil Injunctive Relief And Civil Penalties: Any person residing in the city may sue in Los Angeles County superior court to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of this chapter. Any person who is found by a court of competent jurisdiction in such an action to have intentionally or negligently violated any provision of this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three (3) times the amount in controversy. In determining the amount of a civil penalty, if any, the court shall take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, and the degree of culpability of the defendant. The prevailing party in any such action shall be entitled to seek and be awarded its attorney fees and court costs. Any action for civil injunctive relief and/or civil penalty must be filed within one year of the date of the alleged violation.
D. Remedies For Violation Of Local Voluntary Expenditure Ceiling: The penalties and remedies for violations of section 1-8-4 of this chapter shall also include those set forth in the political reform act. (Ord. 98-O-2317, eff. 1-1-1999; amd. Ord. 10-O-2594, eff. 11-4-2010)