Penalties

(a) Any person violating this article shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than ten years, by a fine not to exceed $5,000.00, or both. (b) If a violation of this article involves engaging or participating in a pattern of residential mortgage fraud or a conspiracy or endeavor to engage or participate in a pattern of residential mortgage fraud, said violation shall be punishable by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 20 years, by a fine not to exceed $100,000.00, or both. (c) Each residential property transaction subject to a violation of this article shall constitute a separate offense and shall not merge with any other crimes set forth in this title. (Code 1981, § 16-8-105, enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 848, § 2/SB 100.)