What is the consequence of violating Illinois notarial law by performing unauthorized acts?

Violating Illinois notarial law by performing unauthorized acts can lead to serious ramifications, most notably the possibility of civil action and/or criminal prosecution. Notaries public are expected to adhere strictly to the regulations set forth by the state to maintain the integrity of the notarization process. When a notary undertakes actions that exceed their authority, they may face legal consequences, which can include lawsuits brought by individuals who suffer damages as a result of the notary's misconduct.

Additionally, such violations may lead to criminal charges, depending on the severity and nature of the unauthorized acts committed. This highlights the importance of compliance with the specific duties and limitations prescribed by Illinois law for notaries, ensuring that the public can trust the notarization process.

In contrast, the other choices, while they may reflect potential outcomes of misconduct, do not directly capture the legal repercussions as clearly as the capacity for civil action and criminal prosecution does. Thus, the framework of consequence for unauthorized notarial acts is most appropriately centered on the legal ramifications outlined in option B.