Montana Title 30. Trade and Commerce § 30-10-306. Criminal liabilities

(1) A person who willfully violates any provision of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter except 30-10-302, who willfully violates any rule or order under parts 1 through 3 of this chapter, or who willfully violates 30-10-302 knowing the statement made to be false or misleading in any material respect shall upon conviction be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. However, if the person convicted has been previously convicted of a felony in any way involving securities, imprisonment for not less than 1 year is mandatory.

(2) A person who willfully violates 30-10-301 with knowledge that the violation would affect a vulnerable person shall upon conviction be fined not more than $20,000 or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

(3) An indictment or information may not be returned under parts 1 through 3 of this chapter more than 8 years after the alleged violation. However, the time limitation period may be extended allowing commencement of a prosecution within 1 year after the date the commissioner or other prosecuting officer becomes aware of the violation.

(4) The commissioner may refer evidence that may be available concerning violations of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter or of any rule or order under parts 1 through 3 of this chapter to the attorney general or the proper prosecuting attorney, who may in the prosecutor's discretion, with or without a reference, institute the appropriate criminal proceedings under parts 1 through 3 of this chapter.

(5) Parts 1 through 3 of this chapter do not limit the power of the state to punish any person for any conduct that constitutes a crime.