Penal Code section 485

One who finds lost property under circumstances which give him knowledge of or means of inquiry as to the true owner, and who appropriates such property to his own use, or to the use of another person not entitled thereto, without first making reasonable and just efforts to find the owner and to restore the property to him, is guilty of theft.

Source: Section 485, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=485.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1927; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 485's source at ca​.gov