California has some strict and complex weapons laws that go beyond mere gun possession and detail everything from switchblades to pepper spray use. In fact, while stun gun laws in California allow most people to own these weapons, there are situations where they are not. Since people commonly ask criminal lawyers if stun guns are legal in our state, Peter Liss put together this article to help you avoid weapons charges.
What’s Covered by Stun Gun Laws in California
First, it is important to acknowledge that while many people make a distinction between tasers, which can be fired at targets from a distance, and stun guns, that require you to make direct contact with the victim, stun gun laws in California do not. No matter what brand or type of device you have, if it immobilizes someone using electricity, it falls under the same California taser law.
The good news is that stun guns are legal for most people and no permit is necessary. The reason for such liberal possession laws is that these weapons are non-lethal and an effective means of self-defense. However, you might want to speak to a defense attorney if you aren’t sure whether you can legally carry one in a given situation as the devices are not legal for everyone to carry and there are certain locations where no one but law enforcement officials are allowed to possess them.
Not Everyone Can Possess a Stun Gun
For example, felons and those addicted to narcotics cannot possess a stun gun, as well as children under 16. Minors between 16 and 18 years of age can own stun guns, but only with parental permission. Additionally, it is also a crime to carry a stun gun in certain locations, including the secure area of an airport, state and local government buildings, public school grounds and places where public meetings are held. It is easy to understand how a person could be carrying a stun gun and forget to put it down to visit one of these locations, so if you are charged with carrying a stun gun in a restricted location, an attorney may be able to have the charges against you dropped.
If you have any questions about taser laws in California, please call violent crimes lawyer Peter M. Liss at (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024.
Creative Commons Image by Yamashita Yohei
