<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 3-91. - Penalty for violation.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
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            <p class="content1">
               The violation of any provision of this article shall be a misdemeanor punishable by
               a fine not to exceed $500.00, or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
               Each day's violation of this article is a separate offense. Payment of a fine imposed
               in criminal proceedings pursuant to this subsection does not relieve a person of his
               liability for taxes or fees imposed under this article.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               In addition, enforcement of this article may be by appropriate equitable remedy, injunction
               or order of abatement issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to G.
               S. 153A-123(d) and (e).
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               In addition to and not in lieu of the criminal penalties and other sanctions provided
               in this article, a violation of this article may also subject the offender to the
               civil penalties set forth below.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               Civil penalties may be recovered by Currituck County in a civil action in the nature
               of debt or may be collected in such other amounts as prescribed in this section within
               the prescribed time following the issuance of notice for such violation.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               Notice of violation shall, among other things:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               a.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               State upon its face the amount of the penalty if the penalty be paid within 72 hours
               from and after the issuance of the notice and the late fee $1.00 if paid more than
               72 hours after its issuance.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               b.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Notify the offender that a failure to pay the penalties within the prescribed time
               shall subject the offender to a civil action in the nature of debt for the stated
               penalty plus an additional penalty in the amount of $25.00, together with the cost
               of the action to be taxed by the court.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               c.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Further provide that the offender may answer the notice of violation by mailing the
               notice, and stated penalty to the animal control officer or county finance office
               at its mailing address, or by making payment to the animal control officer or county
               finance office at the appropriate address, and that upon payment the case or claim
               and right of action by the county will be deemed compromised and settled.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               d.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               State that penalties must be paid within 72 hours from issuance of notice of violation.
               The notice shall further state that if the notice of violation is not paid within
               the 72-hour period, court action by the filing of a civil complaint for collection
               of the penalty may be taken.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (3)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               The county finance officer is authorized to accept payments in full and final settlement
               of the claim or claims, right or rights of action which Currituck County may have
               to enforce the penalty by civil action in the nature of debt. Acceptance of the penalty
               shall be deemed a full and final release of any and all such claims, or rights of
               action arising release of any and all such claims, or rights of action arising out
               of the contended violation or violations.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (4)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               The civil penalty for violation of this article is $50.00. The penalty shall be paid
               within 72 hours from and after the issuance of the notice referred to above.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (5)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               The notice of violation referred to in this section may be delivered to the person
               violating the provisions of this article in person, or may be mailed to the person
               at his last known address.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (6)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               In addition to the penalty prescribed in the subsection (4) above, a $1.00 penalty
               shall be imposed in all those cases in which the above penalty has not been paid within
               the authorized 72 hour period. Should it become necessary to institute a civil action
               to collect any penalty pursuant to this ordinance, then the violation shall also be
               subject to an additional penalty of $25.00.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (7)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               All penalties paid to the county finance officer or as may be recovered in a civil
               action in the nature of debt as provided in this article shall be paid into the general
               fund of Currituck County.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 92-3, Â§ 31, 9-8-92)
               </p></div>