Michigan § 445.377 - Violation as misdemeanor; penalty; impounding goods; recovery or sale of impounded goods; notice; conduct of sale; disposition of proceeds; liability.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.377 — Violation as misdemeanor; penalty; impounding goods; recovery or sale of impounded goods; notice; conduct of sale; disposition of proceeds; liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 445.377. Violation as misdemeanor; penalty; impounding goods; recovery or sale of impounded goods; notice; conduct of sale; disposition of proceeds; liability.
A person who violates this act is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000.00 or 10% of the value of any property impounded pursuant to this section, whichever amount is greater and court costs. If the county sheriff or local law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a person is engaging in business as a transient merchant without having first obtained a license in the manner provided for in this act, the county sheriff or local law enforcement officer shall immediately take into custody and impound all goods offered for sale by the transient merchant until the matter has been adjudicated by a court of proper jurisdiction.
The transient merchant may obtain his or her impounded goods prior to adjudication by paying, either in cash or by security bond, $1,000.00 or an amount equal to the value of the impounded property, whichever amount is greater.
If the transient merchant is convicted of violating this act and fails to pay the fine and court costs provided in subsection (1) within 7 days after the date of conviction, the sheriff or local law enforcement officer shall sell the impounded goods by publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 5 days before the sale. The notice shall describe the property and shall state the time and place of public sale at which the impounded property may be purchased by the highest bidder.
The sheriff or local law enforcement officer shall conduct the sale and shall deposit from the proceeds of the sale an amount equal to the fine and court costs provided in subsection (1) with the court in which the transient merchant was convicted. Any proceeds of the sale which exceed the fine shall be returned to the transient merchant. Any sheriff or local law enforcement officer disposing of property in the manner provided in this act shall not be liable to the transient merchant for the sale.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 445.377
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.377 cover?
Section 445.377 ("Violation as misdemeanor; penalty; impounding goods; recovery or sale of impounded goods; notice; conduct of sale; disposition of proceeds; liability.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 445.377?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.377" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 445.377 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.