(a)      Except as provided in subsection (d) with respect to an estate being administered or about to be administered in the office of the register, a register, deputy, clerk, or any other employee may not ask for, take, or receive from a person a fee, commission, gratuity, gift, or reward for performing a service.

      (b)      The service referred to in subsection (a) of this section includes:

            (1)      Giving advice;

            (2)      Referring business;

            (3)      Performing a service other than for actual expenses of travel incurred in connection with the probate of a will; or

            (4)      Acting as agent, representative or in any other capacity for a surety corporation for which compensation is given directly or indirectly.

      (c)      Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each offense.

      (d)      This section does not apply to the payment of a fee authorized by § 2-206 of this article.