California · Penal Code

PEN §578: Every person carrying on the business of a warehouseman, wharfinger, or other depositary of property, who issues any receipt, bill of lading, or other voucher for any merchandise of any description, w

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A warehouseman or property depositary who issues a receipt or bill of lading for merchandise not actually received or controlled commits a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and/or fine.

Read the full statutory text
Every person carrying on the business of a warehouseman, wharfinger, or other depositary of property, who issues any receipt, bill of lading, or other voucher for any merchandise of any description, which has not been actually received upon the premises of that person, and is not under his or her actual control at the time of issuing such instrument, whether that instrument is issued to a person as being the owner of that merchandise or as security for any indebtedness, is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

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.