(a) A person commits the offense of barratry when he knowingly and willfully commits any of the following acts:

(1) Excites and stirs up groundless actions in the courts or quarrels in administrative proceedings;

(2) Institutes or causes to be instituted a legal proceeding without obtaining proper authorization; or

(3) Solicits or encourages the institution of a judicial or administrative proceeding or offers assistance therein before being consulted by a complainant in relation thereto.

(b) A person convicted of the offense of barratry shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both.