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Brandishing a Weapon Laws in California

Posted by Alan Eisner | Sep 27, 2017 | 0 Comments

Brandishing a Weapon Laws in California - Penal Code 417 PC
Penal Code 417 PC prohibits anyone from drawing or exhibiting a deadly weapon in a rude or threatening manner in someone's presence.

Brandishing a weapon laws are covered under California Penal Code Section 417. In basic terms, this law prohibits anyone from drawing or exhibiting a deadly weapon in a rude or threatening manner in the presence of another individual.

It's important to note here that it is not necessary that you actually intended to harm the alleged victim or if they even saw your weapon.

By law, the criminal offense of brandishing a weapon has been committed the moment you draw, exhibit, or use your weapon in a rude, angry or threatening way. What exactly is considered “rude, angry, or a threatening manner?”

This is frequently a key element used by our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys in defending our clients against charges of brandishing a weapon.

If you were simply showing off a new gun or just exhibiting a weapon to another individual, you are not guilty of brandishing a weapon. However, if you use a deadly weapon during an argument or fight with another individual, it's considered brandishing a weapon violation under California law.

A deadly weapon can be any instrument or weapon that is dangerous or that can be used in a manner capable of causing great bodily injury or death. This could include anything from a baseball bat, broken bottle, brick, or an actual weapon. What if you used a fake gun? You can still be convicted of a misdemeanor crime you threaten someone with an imitation firearm. See related page: Assault With a Deadly Weapon.

If you have been accused of brandishing a weapon in Los Angeles County, you should immediately contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP. If contacted by a police detective, exercise your legal right to remain silent. Just politely tell the detective you don't want to make any statements without first consulting with an attorney.

Otherwise, you might make incriminating statements that could be used against you later in court. Police detectives are paid to build a criminal case against you in order to make an arrest. Don't help them. See Related:

Now that we have discussed the basic concepts of a brandishing a weapon charge above, let's examine the legal definition below. 

California Penal Code Section 417 – Brandishing a Weapon

Under California Penal Cpde Section 417, the legal definition of brandishing a weapon states: 

  • Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of another  person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or  unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by confinement  in a county jail for not less than 30 days.

In order to be convicted of brandishing a weapon, the Los Angeles County prosecutor has to be able to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, the following elements of the crime:

  • You had possession of a deadly weapon defined by law
  • You drew or exhibited a deadly weapon in the presence of another individual and did so in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, OR
  • You actually used a weapon unlawfully in a fight or quarrel
  • You were not acting in self defense or defending another person at the time

All of the elements of the crime above need to be closely examined by a criminal lawyer when preparing an effective defense strategy. If the prosecutor is unable to prove each and every element of the crime, then you can't be guilty of brandishing a weapon.

There is no legal requirement that you pointed the weapon at the victim, fired the gun, or that the victim saw the weapon. See related: Assault with a Firearm and Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.

What is considered a Deadly Weapon?

Under California law, a deadly weapon is any object, instrument, or weapon that is deadly or dangerous or one used in such a way that it is capable of causing great bodily injury or death. The term “great bodily injury” means significant or substantial physical injury.

A deadly weapon does not include parts of your body, such as a fist or knee. A deadly weapon could be a hammer, ax, rocks, brass knuckles, belt buckle knife, pipe, razor, among many other objects. A firearm is any device designed to be used as a weapon that expels a projectile. This could include pistols, rifles, or shotgun. Consult with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our law firm for more information.

Legal Penalties for Brandishing a Weapon Conviction

If you are convicted of brandishing a weapon other than a firearm, it's a misdemeanor offense punishable by a sentence of 30 days in the county jail. Other violations are known as “wobblers,” meaning it could be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony crime based on different factors.

These factors include the specific circumstances of your case and prior criminal record.  Let's examine some circumstances where you would receive a misdemeanor sentence for brandishing a weapon. If convicted of drawing a deadly weapon in a rude or threatening manner or during a fight, you will face a minimum 30 day sentence in the county jail.

If convicted of brandishing a firearm (pistol or revolver) in a public place, or another type of firearm that can be concealed on your body, you could face a three month to a one year jail sentence, and a fine up to $1,000 fine. 

Now, let's take a look at some circumstances where you could face misdemeanor or felony sentencing. If convicted of drawing or exhibiting a firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening manner or during a fight on the grounds of an open child day care center, you could face a misdemeanor sentence of three months to one year in jail, or a felony sentence of up to three years in a California state prison.

If convicted of drawing or exhibiting a firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in the immediate presence of a peace officer engaged in the performance of their duties, you could face a misdemeanor sentence of up to one year in jail, or a felony sentence of up to three years in California state prison.

Legal Defenses against Brandishing a Weapon Charges

An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can use a variety of legal defenses on your behalf. These include:

  • Self defense – In certain circumstances, our attorneys may be able to prove you were defending yourself or defending someone else. In other words, we could argue you lawfully acted in self defense when you had a reasonable belief you or another person was about to suffer imminent harm, and you fought back with no more force than was necessary to defend against the danger. 
  • Display of weapon was not threatening – Our criminal defense lawyers may be able to prove you didn't display the weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner. A simple drawing or exhibiting a weapon is not a criminal violation under Penal Code 417. It's possible we may be able to prove you were just joking around or showing off a new weapon.
  • False allegation – In some cases, we may be able to show the accusation is simply false. There has been cases where false accusations have been made out of anger, revenge, or jealously. There are many motives where a vengeful individual accuses someone of displaying a firearm with little evidence. 

Call a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing an allegation of brandishing a weapon, you should call a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Eisner Gorin LLP as soon a possible. A misdemeanor or felony conviction can have a tremendous impact on your life.

Early intervention into your case by our skilled attorneys could be critical to the outcome. We are available to thoroughly review all the details and discuss legal options. Call our law firm at 877-781-1570.

About the Author

Alan Eisner

Alan Eisner  Van Nuys, California (818) 781-1570 (818) 788-5033 Email Me  Alan Eisner has practiced criminal law for over 28 years in Los Angeles County . Mr Eisner is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. (The California State Bar's Board of Legal Specialization has designated Mr. Eisner as a...

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