California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §505.5: (a) Whenever the lien upon any vessel is lost by reason of the loss of possession through trick, fraud, or device, the repossession of the vessel by the former lienholder claimant revives the lien, bu

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Obtaining possession of a vessel subject to a lien through trick, fraud, or device is a misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months county jail.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Whenever the lien upon any vessel is lost by reason of the loss of possession through trick, fraud, or device, the repossession of the vessel by the former lienholder claimant revives the lien, but a lien so revived is subordinate to any right, title, or interest of a person under a sale, transfer, encumbrance, lien, or other interest acquired or secured in good faith and for value between the time of the loss of possession and the time of repossession. (b) It is a misdemeanor for a person to obtain possession of a vessel or any part of the vessel subject to a lien pursuant to the provisions of this chapter by trick, fraud, or device. (c) It is a misdemeanor for a person claiming a lien on a vessel to knowingly violate this article. (d) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (b) or (c) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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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.