47-11-107 - Penalty for violations Liquidated damages.

47-11-107. Penalty for violations Liquidated damages.

(a)  An intentional and willful violation of this chapter is a Class C misdemeanor.

(b)  In case of an intentional failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, or in case the seller shall permit the buyer to sign a contract containing blank spaces not permitted by this chapter, the buyer shall have a right to recover from the person committing such violation, or to set off or counterclaim in any action by such person to enforce a contract or agreement, as liquidated damages, an amount equal to the whole of the original time balance in a contract, and all amounts payable under an agreement with respect to the transaction or transactions to which such violation pertains, together with reasonable attorney's fees.

(c)  In case of any other failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the buyer shall have a right to recover from the person committing such violation, or to set off or counterclaim in any action by such person to enforce a contract or agreement, as liquidated damages, an amount equal to two (2) times the time price differential charged to the buyer, together with reasonable attorney's fees.

(d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no person shall be subject to any penalty for any failure to comply with any provision of this chapter until the retail buyer has notified such person in writing of such failure and unless within thirty (30) days after such notice such failure is not corrected by such person.

[Acts 1961, ch. 110, § 1; T.C.A., § 47-1907; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.]