Misconduct is willfully improper or dishonest behavior on the part of a Notary. Deliberately backdating a document, overcharging for a notarization, or notarizing for a signer who is not present or who clearly is unaware or being coerced are all examples of potential misconduct.
Willfully committing misconduct can result in severe penalties. You could face the loss of your commission, civil liability, and, possibly, criminal charges and prison time if the misconduct helped perpetrate fraud, embezzlement or another crime.