Section 14651.5 Of Article 10. Violations From California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 7. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 10.
14651.5
. (a) The department shall levy an administrative penalty
against a person who violates this chapter in an amount of not more
than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation. The amount of
the penalty assessed for each violation shall be based upon the
nature of the violation, the seriousness of the effect of the
violation upon the effectuation of the purposes and provisions of
this chapter, and the impact of the penalty on the violator,
including the deterrent effect on future violations.
(b) Upon a finding that the violation is minor or unintentional,
in lieu of an administrative penalty, the secretary may issue a
notice of warning.
(c) A person against whom an administrative penalty is levied
shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing before the secretary,
upon a request made within 30 days after the date of issuance of the
notice of penalty. At the hearing, the person shall be given the
right to present evidence on his or her own behalf. If a hearing is
not requested, the administrative penalty shall constitute a final
and nonreviewable order.
(d) If a hearing is held, review of the decision of the secretary
may be sought by the person against whom the administrative penalty
is levied within 30 days of the date of the final order of the
secretary pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(e) After completion of the hearing procedure pursuant to
subdivision (c), the secretary may file a certified copy of the
department's final decision that directs payment of an administrative
penalty, and if applicable, any order denying a petition for a writ
of administrative mandamus, with the clerk of the superior court of
any county that has jurisdiction over the matter. Judgment shall be
entered immediately by the clerk in conformity with the decision or
order. Fees shall not be charged by the clerk of the superior court
for performance of any official services required in connection with
the entry of judgment and the satisfaction of the judgment pursuant
to this section.