(a) Sureties on criminal bonds in any court shall not charge or receive more than 15 percent of the face amount of the bond set, which amount includes the principal and all applicable surcharges, as compensation from defendants or from anyone acting for defendants;
provided, however, that a surety may charge and receive a minimum of $50.00 per bonded charge or offense as compensation, regardless of
whether such compensation exceeds 15 percent of the face amount of
any bond set.
(b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this Code section shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor.