Penal Code 21810 PC is a California law that prohibits the possession of brass knuckles. Penal Code section 21810 PC and may result in jail time and/ or significant fines.
What is a Brass Knuckle?
A brass knuckle is a metal instrument with finger holes that a person inserts their fingers into. Such as rings with spikes on their outer surface and ball bearings inside those holes.
Penal Code Section 21810 PC
Under Penal Code 21810 PC, it is illegal in California to make, import, sell, give, or possess metal knuckles or brass knuckles (“BKs”). This, therefore, constitutes a wobbler offense. In other words, prosecutors can, depending on the circumstances, elect to file the charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Penalties for a Misdemeanor Penal Code Section 21810 PC Violation
The penalties for a misdemeanor 21810 PC violation is punishable by:
- imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year; and/or,
- a maximum fine of $1,000
Penalties for a Felony Penal Code Section 21810 PC Violation
Penalties for a PC 21810 violation is punishable by:
- imprisonment in a county jail for up to three years; and/or,
- a maximum fine of $10,000.
Other Related Offenses
There are three related offenses to brass knuckles. These include:
- Penal Code 20710 PC Shobi-Zue – any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any shobi-zue is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.
- Under Penal Code 20610 PC – any person in this state who manufactures or causes the manufacturing of, imports, keeps for sale, offers for sale, gives, lends, or possesses any lipstick case knife faces punishment by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.
- Penal Code 22410 PC Shurikens -any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any shuriken is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170. A shuriken, for example, also goes by the names “Shur,” “throwing star,” or “ninja star.” Therefore, it is important to understand these alternate names when discussing the item.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one faces charges under Penal Code 21810 PC, call our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation and case review.