PC 466 makes it a crime to possess certain tools connected with burglary if you have intent to break into a building, car, or other structure.

Possession of burglary tools is covered under California Penal Code Section 466. In basic terms, it's a crime to have possession of certain tools that can be connected with burglary when you possess them with the intent to break into a building, car, or other type of structure.

These tools can include a crowbar, slim jim, key bit, and vise grip pliers, among many others. In Los Angeles County, burglary is a common offense; thus, police consider possession of burglary tools a serious theft crime.

LA County prosecutors will aggressively pursue criminal charges and a conviction. However, in some cases, successful prosecution can be difficult as many people who are arrested for possession of burglary tools possess them for work-related purposes rather than criminal intent.

It's important to remember that simple possession of certain tools is not a crime. Penal Code 466 requires that you possess the tools for an unlawful purpose.

When Los Angeles police detain individuals for an investigation of possession of burglary tools, they typically ask specific questions designed to induce them to make incriminating statements that will be used against them. It's important to remember that police officers are not your friends, in spite of their outward friendliness. This is a frequently used police tactic.

A common example of possession of burglary tools arrest is when police pull someone over during a traffic stop and discover they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

After making the arrest, police searched their car and found a crowbar, screwdrivers, bolt cutters, a ski mask, dark clothing, and flashlights. While possession of these tools alone is not illegal, possession along with the other items appears suspicious as they are commonly used to commit a home burglary.

This example shows how the tools could be used with the intent to commit a burglary offense. Typically, prosecutors will attempt to prove you had the intent to commit burglary through circumstantial evidence, which is evidence that does not directly prove guilt but relies on other events or surrounding circumstances that can form a reasonable belief of guilt.

If you've been accused of possession of burglary tools, it's crucial to seek legal advice from a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Eisner Gorin LLP immediately. Remember, it's best to remain silent and not make any statements to Los Angeles police detectives.

They are well-paid to build a criminal case against you. Don't help them! Our law firm has a track record of success in defending our clients in all types of burglary cases. For example, in a recent case in Sylmar Juvenile Court, we obtained a case dismissal against two students breaking into cars.

Now that we have covered a basic overview of the possession of burglary tools charges above, let's examine the legal definition, related offenses, legal penalties, and potential legal defenses below.

California Penal Code 466 PC

Under California Penal Code Section 466, possession of burglary tools is legally defined as:

• Every person having upon their possession a picklock, key bit, crowbar, screwdriver, vise grip pliers, water-pump pliers, slide hammer, slim jim, tension bar, lock pick gun, tubular lock pick, bump key, floor safe door puller, master key, ceramic or porcelain spark plug chips, or other instrument or tool with intent feloniously to break or enter into any building, or vehicle, or who shall knowingly make or alter any key or instrument so that the it will open the lock of a building, or vehicle, without being requested to do so by a person having the right to open the same, or who shall make, or any instrument, having reason to believe that it's intended to be used in committing a misdemeanor or felony, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Again, it's important to note that while many people own these common tools, it becomes illegal to have possession or alter these tools if you have the intent to break into some type of structure, including:

• Any type of building or home,
• Apartment,
• Vehicle,
• Trailer Coach,
• Vessel,
• Cargo container,
• Aircraft,
• Railroad car,
• Camper.

As you can see above, California Penal Code Section 466 provides a specific list of various instruments that would be considered burglary tools. However, it also states that “other tools or instruments" could also be considered burglary tools if they are used to enter a location illegally.

These other instruments could include any item if the prosecutor can prove you had possession of it with criminal intent. Call a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at our law firm for more information.

Related Possession of Burglary Tools Offenses

• California Penal Code Section 466.3 – Possession of tools to tamper with a coin-operated machine: It's illegal to possess a key or instrument that is designed to break in or damage a coin-operated machine, such as a vending machine, laundry machine, money changer, or parking meter if you had criminal intent. You can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime. If convicted, you can face a county jail sentence of up to one year, a $1000 fine, or both jail and fine.
• California Penal Code Section 466.5 – Possession of a motor vehicle master key: It's illegal to possess a motor vehicle or wheel lock master key if you intend to use it to commit a crime. It's also unlawful to knowingly manufacture for sale, advertise for sale, offer for sale, or sell a motor vehicle or wheel lock master key except to people who use such keys in their lawful occupation. A violation of PC 466.5 is a misdemeanor offense, which carries up to 6 months in a county jail and a $1,000 fine.
• California Penal Code Section 466.6 – Making car keys: It's illegal to make keys for another person who is capable of operating the ignition of a motor vehicle by any method other than duplication of an existing key, whether or not for compensation. You are legally required to obtain a receipt and keep information on the person you made the key for and the type of car. A violation of PC 466.6 is a misdemeanor offense, which carries up to 6 months in a county jail and a $1,000 fine.

What are the Penalties?

If you are convicted of possession of burglary tools in violation of California Penal Code Section 466, you are guilty of a misdemeanor offense. The legal penalties include up to 1 year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and summary probation of up to 3 years. The court could also impose a stay-away order to prevent you from coming near the location where you were alleged to commit burglary. 

What are the Defenses?

Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can use a wide range of legal defenses against your charges of possession of burglary tools based on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. These legal defenses include:

• No criminal intent – Our attorneys may be able to argue you did not have the intent to use the tools to break into something. With no criminal intent, there is no crime. Remember, simple possession of the listed tools is not enough to support a charge of possession of burglary tools. If you did not intend to use the tools unlawfully, you can't be convicted.
• Illegal search and seizure—If the police found and seized your tools during an illegal search and seizure, our criminal lawyers may be able to dismiss your case. For example, searching your home without a valid search warrant or an initial unlawful arrest may lead to the discovery of the tools after a search.
• You didn't reasonably know you were in possession of burglary tools – For example, maybe you were borrowing a friend's car pulled over by police for a traffic stop. The police observe in plain sight in the back seat tools that might be used to commit burglary. Since you did not know they were there, our lawyers may be able to argue you had no reasonable knowledge of possession of burglary tools.

Again, it's important to note that every case will have its own unique circumstances. Maybe you were in possession of the tools for a legitimate work project. We will need to examine your case details closely to formulate an effective defense strategy.

If you or a family member are facing an accusation of possession of burglary tools, early intervention by a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case.

We may be able to convince the prosecutor to file formal charges, file a reduced charge, or reject the case completely. We need to thoroughly review your case first. We offer a free, immediate response. Call our law office at 877-781-1570.