A Practice Note discussing the fraudulent, prohibited, and unfair practices under the California Franchise Investment Law (CFIL) (Cal. Corp. Code §§ 31000 to 31516). This Note outlines the enforcement actions available under the CFIL for these violations, including both civil and criminal liability and penalties, and discusses the general enforcement powers of the Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the chief regulatory body over franchises in the state.