Penalties for contempt and disclosure violations

(a) A person guilty of contempt under this article shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both. Prosecutions in such cases shall be as provided by law for the prosecution of misdemeanors. (b) If any investigating committee fails in any material respect to comply with the requirements of this article, any person subject to a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum who is injured by the failure shall be relieved of any requirement to attend the hearing for which the subpoena was issued or, if present, to testify or produce evidence therein; and the failure shall be a complete defense in any proceeding against the person for contempt or other punishment. (c) Any person other than the witness concerned or such person’s counsel who violates § 4-4.11 (g) or (h) shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The corporation counsel or special counsel for the council, depending upon the discretionary judgment of the council on such person’s own motion or on the application of any person claiming to have been injured or prejudiced by an unauthorized disclosure may institute proceedings for trial of the issue and imposition of the penalties provided herein. Nothing in this subsection shall limit any power which the council may have to discipline a member or employee or to impose a penalty in the absence of action by a prosecuting officer or court. )