Penal Code section 146


Every public officer, or person pretending to be a public officer, who, under the pretense or color of any process or other legal authority, does any of the following, without a regular process or other lawful authority, is guilty of a misdemeanor:

(a)

Arrests any person or detains that person against his or her will.

(b)

Seizes or levies upon any property.

(c)

Dispossesses any one of any lands or tenements.

Source: Section 146, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=146.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1990; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 146's source at ca​.gov