California · Penal Code

PEN §581: Every person mentioned in this chapter, who sells, hypothecates, or pledges any merchandise for which any bill of lading, receipt, or voucher has been issued by him or her, without the consent in writ

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A person who sells, pledges, or hypothecates merchandise covered by a bill of lading, receipt, or voucher without written consent of the holder commits an offense punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000.

Read the full statutory text

Every person mentioned in this chapter, who sells, hypothecates, or pledges any merchandise for which any bill of lading, receipt, or voucher has been issued by him or her, without the consent in writing thereto of the person holding that bill, receipt, or voucher, 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.