§14–229.

    (a)    In connection with an offer to sell or sale of a franchise, a person, directly or indirectly, may not:

        (1)    employ a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;

        (2)    make an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which it is made, not misleading; or

        (3)    engage in an act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on another person.

    (b)    A person who willfully sells a franchise knowingly violating this section is guilty of a felony and, on conviction, is subject for each violation to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.