Under PC 417, it is unlawful for every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, to draw or exhibit any deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or in any manner, unlawfully use a deadly weapon in any fight or quarrel. 

Deadly Weapon

The California law defines deadly weapon as any object, instrument, or weapon capable of producing and likely to produce death or great bodily injury. This any object can become a deadly weapon depending on the intended use. The most common deadly weapons are firearms, but ordinary objects can become deadly weapons as well. 

Elements of the Crime

In order to be prosecuted and convicted under PC 417, the following elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Possession of a deadly weapon, 
• You drew or exhibited any deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, OR
• Unlawfully use a deadly weapon in any fight or quarrel

Additional Punishment

The prosecutor may seek additional punishment by proving any of the following: 

• Use of a firearm under PC 417(a)(2)(A)
• The firearm was loaded under PC 417(b)
• The defendant was inside a vehicle with another passenger (PC 417.6(a)
• Brandishing occurred on the children’s daycare center grounds during business hours, PC 417(b)
• The defendant was in the presence of an on-duty peace officer (PC 417(c))

 

Defenses

The statute does not apply to self defense. The prosecution often cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the rude, angry, or threatening manner. Although these element are judged under an objective standard, the prosecutor must convince the jury that you were not merely showing the weapon or joking. 

If you have been charged with a crime, please call 619-357-6677

 

Related Pages:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell | HS 11351
• Transportation for Sale of a Controlled Substance| HS 11352
• Possession of Marijuana | Health and Safety Code  Section 11357 | HS 11357
• Marijuana Cultivation, Harvest, Plant | HS 11358
• Possession of Marijuana for Sale | Health and Safety Code 11359 | HS 11359
• Marijuana Sale, Giving Away, Transportation | California Health and Safety Code Section 11360 | HS 11360
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | California Health and Safety Code 11364 | HS 11364 
• Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana, Hash Oil, etc.) | HS 11379.6(a) 
• Driving Under Influence of Marijuana (Marijuana DUI) | California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
• Can a vehicle be searched by police officers if they smell marijuana outside of the vehicle?
• When can police stop and search my vehicle?
  

Delicino & Vialtsin, LLP answer general legal questions emailed to us on this blog. Feel free to send us YOUR question by email. Please do not email us confidential or time sensitive information, but call 619-357-6677 The answer suggested here is for general information ONLY and not to be construed as a legal advice. Further, the Q & A does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Delicino & Vialtsin, LLP. Anton Vialtsin Google+