(a) If the commissioner finds that any of the factors set forth in Section 28709 is true with respect to any licensee and that it is necessary for the protection of the interests of the licensee or the accredited investors of the licensee, or for the protection of the public interest that the commissioner take immediate possession of the property and business of the licensee, the commissioner may forthwith take possession of the property and business of the licensee and retain possession until the licensee resumes business or is finally liquidated. The licensee may, with the consent of the commissioner, resume business upon any conditions that the commissioner may prescribe.

(b) Whenever the commissioner takes possession of the property and business of a licensee pursuant to subdivision (a), the licensee may apply within 10 days to the superior court in the county in which the head office of the licensee is located to enjoin further proceedings. The court, after citing the commissioner to show cause why further proceedings should not be enjoined and after a hearing, may dismiss the application or enjoin the commissioner from further proceedings and order the commissioner to surrender the property and business of the licensee to the licensee or make any further order that may be just.

(c) An appeal may be taken from the judgment of the superior court by the commissioner or by the licensee in the manner provided by law for appeals from the judgment of a superior court. An appeal from the judgment of the superior court shall operate as a stay of the judgment. No bond need be given if the appeal is taken by the commissioner, but if the appeal is taken by the licensee, a bond shall be given as required by the Code of Civil Procedure.

(d) Whenever the commissioner takes possession of the property and business of a licensee pursuant to subdivision (a), the commissioner shall conserve or liquidate the property and business of the licensee.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 668, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999, by Sec. 4 of Ch. 668.)