Full question:
Is stealing someone's copies of personal canceled checks and distributing them to others without consent a crime or a civil matter in California? Any citation?
- Category: Criminal
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
The wrongful taking of someone else's property is generally considered theft or larceny in California. Crimes involve proving wrongful intent. If the stolen checks are used for forgery or other illegal purposes, additional criminal charges may apply.
According to California Penal Code § 484, a person who steals, takes, or fraudulently appropriates another's property is guilty of theft. This includes taking personal property, like canceled checks, without consent. The law also states that if someone obtains property through false representations, they can be charged with theft.
For petty theft, which involves property valued at fifty dollars or less, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction, depending on the person's prior convictions (Cal. Penal Code § 490.1).
In summary, stealing and distributing someone else's canceled checks without permission is likely a criminal matter in California.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.