What is the consequence for a notary found in violation of their duties?

A notary found in violation of their duties can face the consequence of a Class B misdemeanor. This classification indicates that the violation is treated as a criminal offense, which often includes the possibility of fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties. For notaries, adherence to legal and ethical standards is crucial, as their role involves verifying identities and witnessing signatures in a way that upholds the integrity of documents. Hence, being held to this level of accountability reflects the serious nature of their responsibilities.

While fines, community service, and revocation of a license are also potential consequences in different contexts or jurisdictions, they do not categorize the violation under criminal law in the same way as a Class B misdemeanor does in this instance. Therefore, understanding that a Class B misdemeanor serves as a significant consequence helps notaries recognize the importance of complying with their duties to avoid such legal implications.