Section 21608.

(a) A junk dealer or recycler who fails in any respect to keep the written record required by this article, or to set out in that written record any matter required by this article to be set out therein, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Every junk dealer or recycler who refuses, upon demand pursuant to Section 21606.5, to exhibit the written record required by this article, or who destroys that record within two years after making the final entry of a purchase or sale of junk therein, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any knowing and willful violation of subdivision (a) shall be punishable as follows:

(1) For a first offense, by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(2) For a second offense, by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days, or by both that fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other sentence imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court may order the defendant to stop engaging in business as a junk dealer or recycler for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(3) For a third or any subsequent offense, by a fine of not less than four thousand dollars ($4,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other sentence imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court shall order the defendant to stop engaging in business as a junk dealer or recycler for not less than one year.

(c) The amendments to this section made by the act adding this subdivision shall become operative on December 1, 2008.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 731, Sec. 3. Effective September 30, 2008. Amended version operative December 1, 2008, pursuant to immediate operation of subdivision (c).)