Section 6314.

(a) A person who removes, without authorization from the commission, or a person who destroys or damages an archaeological site or a historic resource, that is located on or in the submerged lands of, and that is the property of, the state, is guilty of a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months or a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both.

(b) The commission, or, at its request, the Attorney General or a district attorney in whose jurisdiction the violation occurred, may seek civil damages for the damage, loss, or destruction of an abandoned shipwreck, its gear or cargo, or an archaeological site or historic resource located on or in submerged lands of the state. A vessel used to damage, destroy, or cause the loss of, any shipwreck or archaeological site or historic resource is subject to a proceeding in rem by the state for the costs and damages resulting from that damage, destruction, or loss. Enforcement may include, where appropriate, a restraining order or injunctive relief to restrain and enjoin violations or threatened violations of Section 6309, Section 6313, or this section and for the return of items taken in violation of these sections.

(c) An artifact, object, or material that has been removed from a state submerged archaeological site or submerged historic resource, as specified in subdivision (a), and that is found in any watercraft occupied by persons who do not hold a permit as required by Section 6309 or 6313 or other reasonable evidence of legal possession is prima facie evidence of a violation of that section and the artifact, object, or material may be confiscated by a state, federal, or local law enforcement officer. An artifact, an object, or material confiscated pursuant to this section shall be returned to the person claiming ownership, upon proof of ownership or legal right to possession, within 30 days of its confiscation, unless a prosecuting attorney determines that it is required as evidence in the prosecution of a criminal violation.

(d) In a case in which a district attorney, at the request of the commission, or with its concurrence, enforces subdivision (a), the commission shall, notwithstanding Section 1463 of the Penal Code, be entitled to an equal division of the fine imposed.

(e) All state and local law enforcement agencies and officers are directed to assist in enforcing this section, and are requested to work with and seek the cooperation of federal law enforcement agencies, including deputizing federal officers when appropriate.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 130, Sec. 203. Effective January 1, 2008.)