What happens if you find money and turn it into the police?

If a law requires that you turn over money you have found to the police and you do not do so, you could be charged with larceny or theft. Even though you did not steal the money by taking it directly from its owner, you are holding the money and not trying to return it.

Is it a crime to find money and keep it?

The law’s answer is clear: California Penal Code Section 485 stipulates that if you find money you need to make “reasonable and just efforts to find the owner.” Otherwise, you’re “guilty of theft.” “If you find even a quarter, you’re technically obligated to turn it in,” says Sgt.

What does the law say about finding money?

Yes, according to the police, who say it is up to the individual what they do if they find any amount of cash – there is no requirement to hand over money you find, or even any other items. …

Is it legal to keep a wallet found?

Under California Penal Code 485, if you find property that was lost by the original owner, you are legally obligated to return it to the owner, if possible. If you make no effort to return the property and keep it for yourself, then you could face either misdemeanor or felony theft charges.

What happens if you find money that doesn’t belong to you?

Even though you did not steal the money by taking it directly from its owner, you are holding the money and not trying to return it. Holding or possessing property that you know does not belong to you also constitutes theft or larceny under most state laws. You also can make your own efforts to identify or locate the owner of money you have found.

What should I do if someone claims to have dropped money?

There is always the risk that someone will say they dropped the money just to be able to claim it. In those kinds of situations, you have to use your own judgment about whether the person claiming the money is being truthful. If the money is in a wallet, you should check for ID.

What happens if no one claims a stolen car?

If no one claims it after a certain period of time, the police can then give it to the finder to keep. Some communities may have different laws and some have none.

What should I do if I find cash?

So technically, cash you find is not automatically yours. Many communities have local laws or ordinances governing what a person must do if he finds cash and does not know who it belongs to. These laws usually require that a person who finds money, especially larger amounts (for example $100 or more), turn it over to the local police.