(a) An action under this chapter may not be commenced more than three years after the date of discovery of the fraudulent activity by the prosecuting attorney or more than six years after the fraudulent activity occurred, whichever occurs later, but in no event more than ten years after the date on which the violation is committed.
(b) A finding of guilt in a criminal proceeding charging a false statement or fraud, whether upon a verdict of guilty or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, stops the person found guilty from denying an essential element of that offense in an action under this chapter based upon the same transaction as the criminal proceeding.
(c) In an action under this chapter, the state or the political subdivision and any plaintiff under section 15C.05 must prove the essential elements of the cause of action, including damages, by a preponderance of the evidence.