SECTIONS 26640-26646 - California Statutes

GOVERNMENT CODE

SECTION 26640-26646

26640. The sheriff shall take charge of, safely keep, and keep a
correct account of, all money and valuables found on each prisoner
when delivered at the county jail. Except when otherwise ordered by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the sheriff shall pay such money or
sums therefrom and deliver such valuables or portions thereof as the
prisoner directs and shall pay and deliver all the remainder of his
money and valuables to the prisoner or to his order upon his release
from the jail or to his legal representative in case of his death or
insanity.

26641. When any prisoner is removed to a state hospital or to a
state prison or is released to the custody of an officer of another
jurisdiction, his money and valuables or the remainder shall be
transmitted to the hospital or prison or entrusted to the officer for
the prisoner's account.

26642. The sheriff shall pay into the general fund for the use and
benefit of the county any money of a prisoner or the proceeds of the
sale of his or her valuables remaining unclaimed for a period of one
year after his or her release, or five years after his or her death,
or 120 days after a notice has been sent to his or her last known
address or, in the event of his or her death, one year after a notice
has been sent to his or her last known next of kin.

26643. When any prisoner dies or becomes insane, the sheriff shall
make diligent effort to communicate the fact to friends or relatives
of the prisoner, together with information on the state of the
prisoner's account.

26644. Any money and valuables of a prisoner and the accounts are
subject to audit by the county auditor.

26645. For failure to comply with this article, the sheriff is
liable on his official bond.

26646. The sheriff, with the approval of the county auditor, may
establish bank accounts in which money received by the sheriff for
bail and fines may be deposited and disbursed to the courts of proper
jurisdiction. All moneys received and disbursed through such bank
accounts shall be properly and uniformly accounted for under such
procedures as the auditor may deem necessary.