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 guns are generally legal to possess and own in California, there are situations where they are not. Here are some of the specifics of Taser laws in CA, from a San Diego criminal lawyer with experience defending clients who have violated weapons charges for one reason or another.
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, California law does not. No matter what brand or type of device you have, if it immobilizes someone using electricity, it falls under the state’s stun gun laws.
The good news about stun gun ownership in California is that it is entirely 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 San Diego 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.
For example, felons and those addicted to narcotics cannot possess a stun gun, as well as children under 16. Minors between 16 and 18 can own stun guns, but only with parental permission. Additionally, it is illegal 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 though, so if you are charged with carrying a stun gun in a restricted location, a San Diego criminal attorney may be able to have the charges against you dropped.
If you have any questions about stun gun ownership or possession laws, please call San Diego defense lawyer Peter M. Liss at (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024.
Creative Commons Image by Yamashita Yohei
