§ 12997 Civil Penalty Enforcement Options

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that instead of treating a rule‑breaker like a criminal, the director (or commissioner) can handle it with a civil lawsuit or a fine.

Key Takeaways

•Violations can be dealt with civilly instead of criminally.
•The director can bring a civil lawsuit or impose a civil fine.
•The commissioner can also impose a civil fine.
•Specific sections (12998, 12999, 12999.4, 12999.5) outline how the civil actions work.

Example

A business forgets to file a required safety report.

Rather than being charged with a misdemeanor, the director can sue the business in civil court or issue a monetary penalty, and the commissioner can also fine the business.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12997 Civil Penalty Enforcement Options

In lieu of seeking prosecution of any violation of this division as a misdemeanor, and the penalty prescribed in Section 12996, the director may prosecute civilly pursuant to Sections 12998 and 12999, or may levy civil penalties pursuant to Section 12999.4 or the commissioner may levy civil penalties pursuant to Section 12999.5. (Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 843, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

misdemeanor civil prosecution civil penalties director commissioner

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 12997.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References