Final answer:
The Maryland Real Estate Commission may summarily suspend a real estate licensee's license for significant violations such as failing to properly account for funds held in trust, which is a serious breach of professional conduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding License Suspension by the Maryland Real Estate Commission
The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) has the authority to regulate the professional standards and practices of licensed real estate professionals within the state. This includes the ability to summarily suspend the license of a real estate agent or broker should they violate certain regulations. According to the information provided, suspension may occur in situations where the licensed professional fails to adhere to the required ethical and legal standards set out by the Commission.
License suspension is a significant form of disciplinary action that the MREC may take without a hearing if there's an immediate risk to the public or in serious cases of misconduct. Specifically, one such instance that may lead to summary suspension is if a licensee fails to account for funds held in trust. Trust account management is a crucial part of real estate practice, and mishandling these funds can be a considerable violation of trust and responsibility which the Commission takes seriously.
In contrast, practices such as properly displaying licenses or making records available to the Commission as required are not only compliant but expected behaviors that would not warrant disciplinary action. However, being convicted of a serious crime like driving under the influence of alcohol could certainly lead to suspension or other disciplinary measures, depending on the circumstances and the Commission's policies toward such matters.