{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"617","citation":"Pen. Code, § 617","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 14. MALICIOUS MISCHIEF [594. - 625c.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-14"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 417.   (AB 109)   Effective April 4, 2011.   Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.","effective":"2011-04-04","html":"<p>Every person who maliciously mutilates, tears, defaces, obliterates, or destroys any written instrument, the property of another, the false making of which would be forgery, is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section <a href=\"/pen/1170\">1170</a>.</p>","text":"Every person who maliciously mutilates, tears, defaces, obliterates, or destroys any written instrument, the property of another, the false making of which would be forgery, is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/malicious-mischief-617","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}