California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 505.5

(a) Whenever the lien upon any vessel is lost by reason of the loss of possession through trick, fraud, or device, the repossession of the vessel by the former lienholder claimant revives the lien, but a lien so revived is subordinate to any right, title, or interest of a person under a sale, transfer, encumbrance, lien, or other interest acquired or secured in good faith and for value between the time of the loss of possession and the time of repossession.

(b) It is a misdemeanor for a person to obtain possession of a vessel or any part of the vessel subject to a lien pursuant to the provisions of this chapter by trick, fraud, or device.

(c) It is a misdemeanor for a person claiming a lien on a vessel to knowingly violate this article.

(d) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (b) or (c) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.