{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"538a","citation":"Pen. Code, § 538a","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 13. OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY [450. - 593g.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-13"},{"name":"CHAPTER 8. False Personation and Cheats [528. - 539.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-13/chapter-8"}],"history":"Added by renumbering Section 480 (as added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1256) by Stats. 1972, Ch. 449.","effective":null,"html":"<p>Every person who signs any letter addressed to a newspaper with the name of a person other than himself and sends such letter to the newspaper, or causes it to be sent to such newspaper, with intent to lead the newspaper to believe that such letter was written by the person whose name is signed thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor.</p>","text":"Every person who signs any letter addressed to a newspaper with the name of a person other than himself and sends such letter to the newspaper, or causes it to be sent to such newspaper, with intent to lead the newspaper to believe that such letter was written by the person whose name is signed thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/false-personation-and-cheats-538a","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}