California · Food and Agricultural Code - FAC

FAC §12997: In lieu of seeking prosecution of any violation of this division as a misdemeanor, and the penalty prescribed in Section 12996, the director may prosecute civilly pursuant to Sections 12998 and 12999,

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

The director or commissioner may choose to pursue civil penalties instead of criminal misdemeanor prosecution for violations of this division.

Read the full statutory text
In lieu of seeking prosecution of any violation of this division as a misdemeanor, and the penalty prescribed in Section 12996, the director may prosecute civilly pursuant to Sections 12998 and 12999, or may levy civil penalties pursuant to Section 12999.4 or the commissioner may levy civil penalties pursuant to Section 12999.5.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.