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Pandemic Price-gouging Can Lead to Criminal Charges

Posted by Dan Kann | Apr 12, 2020 | 0 Comments

The world is currently facing a very difficult time due to the ongoing global pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus. With the “shelter in place” order for the state of California, people quickly sought to buy supplies--toilet paper disappeared from the shelves as well as disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. 

Now, according to ABC 7 News, reports of price-gouging have emerged. Los Angeles city attorney Mike Feuer reported that his team has seen products being sold for outrageous prices, simply because they are in high demand. For example, his team found 1-liter hand sanitizer containers being sold for $140, and 4 gallons of bleach for $100. This isn't just happening in California, but across the nation there have been reports of “stores and online sellers offering toilet paper for $10 a roll, single squirts of hand sanitizer for $1 each and face masks for $40.” The city attorney has asked the public to alert them when they see price-gouging occurring in the city.

Price-gouging

Simply put, price-gouging occurs when a seller raises the prices of an item to well above its normal value--many people seek to do this to make extra money particularly in times of emergency because they know people are really in need and shortages make people willing to pay more. However, under Los Angeles City Law, price increases of more than 10% during an emergency are prohibited. Price-gouging is a form of theft and fraud. 

Breaking this city law can result in criminal and civil penalties, with serious consequences including “a year in jail, a $10,000 fine and restitution to consumers.”

Get Help Today

During this uncertain time, the last thing you want to worry about is a criminal charge. However, if you have been accused of a criminal charge like price-gouging or any other criminal charge, contact the skilled Southern California criminal defense attorneys at the Kann California Law Group. We will work to make sure that you get the representation you deserve. To learn more about your legal rights and to discuss the details of your case with one of our experienced attorneys, call at (888) 744-7730 or contact us online today and speak with an attorney right away!

About the Author

Dan Kann

Daniel E. Kann has devoted his entire legal career exclusively to defending individuals facing criminal prosecution in Southern California. Dan fights criminal cases throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Kern, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

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