Nunchucks california penal code. Nunchaku Defined: A nunchaku is a martial arts weapon consisting of two hardwood sticks joined together with a chain, rope or thong. H. (c) A ballistic knife, as prohibited by Section 21110. Nunchucks Classified as a Prohibited Weapon According to the specific provisions of the Penal Code §46. 2005 California Penal Code Sections 12020-12040 Article 2. A "nunchaku" is a traditional martial arts weapon consisting of two rods or sticks connected at one end by a short chain or Explore the legal landscape of nunchucks, including regional laws, penalties, exceptions, and tips for compliance and safe handling. These weapons are defined as illegal in various sections of the Penal Code, but aggregated as a list under this section. State-by-state details on the legality of nunchaku, answering questions including 'Are nunchaku legal in my state?' and 'Where are nunchuks illegal?'. Yes they are illegal unless used for martial arts classes. This is the former Penal Code Section that makes criminal the possesion, transportation, manufacturing, distribution of certain weapons such as brass knuckles, cane swords, nunchukus, billy clubs, among others. As such, Penal Code 22210 is currently not enforceable and detentions or arrests for mere possession of a Billy club or similar A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. This means things like nunchucks, tomahawks, and ASP batons will be legal effective September 1, 2019. According to an article published in LA Weekly in 2012, California criminalized the possession of nunchucks (as defined in Penal Code section 16940 as “an instrument consisting of two or more sticks, clubs, bars, or rods to be used as handles, connected by a rope, cord, wire, or chain, in the design of a weapon used in connection with the For more detailed information on the legality of nunchucks in California, it is advisable to consult legal experts or refer to official legal resources such as the California Penal Code Section 12020. Jun 27, 2012 · 2020 California Code Penal Code - PEN PART 6 - CONTROL OF DEADLY WEAPONS TITLE 3 - WEAPONS AND DEVICES OTHER THAN FIREARMS DIVISION 7 - NUNCHAKU Section 22010. A "nunchaku" is a traditional ma Carrying concealed daggers or dirks per California Penal Code section 21310. , of Switchblade Knife — Pen. The only exception is that they can be possessed ON THE PREMISES of a licensed martial arts school. The Penal Code was enacted in 1872 and has been substantially revised and amended since that time. No, nunchucks are illegal in California. Code §§ 21310, 16470”: CALCRIM Number 2501; and “Possession, etc. When it comes to knives, size really doesn't matter in California. Except as provided in Section 22015 and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into California Penal Code § 16590 makes it a crime to manufacture, sell, or possess certain dangerous weapons. 10 PC weapons on school grounds, Penal Code 22610 PC stun guns and tasers law, and Penal Code 33600 zip gun law. Offenses could have been charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, with potential sentences of up to 3 years in jail. CA Penal Code § 16590 (2017) As used in this part, “generally prohibited weapon” means any of the following: (a) An air gauge knife, as prohibited by Section 20310. Penal Code 22010 still makes it generally illegal to own or possess nunchakus (commonly referred to as "nunchucks") in California. California Penal Code 21810 PC makes it a misdemeanor or felony crime to sell, manufacture, import, lend, give, or have possession of metal or brass knuckles. Section 20200 of the California Penal Code reads, "A knife carried in a sheath that is worn openly suspended from the waist of the wearer is not concealed within the meaning of [this code]". See Penal Code §22210. CALIFORNIA CODES PENAL CODE SECTION 12020-12040 12020. Nunchucks are now legal in California. See also Carrying a Switchblade or Butterfly Knife (California Penal Code section 21510); “Carrying Concealed Explosive or Dirk or Dagger — Pen. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison: Historical Context of Nunchucks in California Nunchucks were classified as a prohibited weapon in California under the Penal Code Section 22015, which made owning or using them illegal. (b) Any person, except a duly appointed peace officer as defined in Chapter 4. Carrying concealed daggers or dirks per California Penal Code section 21310. Dec 29, 2025 · As used in this part, “nunchaku” means an instrument consisting of two or more sticks, clubs, bars, or rods to be used… Nunchucks are now legal in California, but using them on others can lead to criminal charges. (e) A bullet WEAPONS AND DEVICES OTHER THAN FIREARMS from PART 6, of the California Penal Code (2025) New Criminal Laws in california for 2022 New Criminal Laws in california for 2022 Police gangs are now prohibited but nunchucks aren’t. This is one of the most accessible self-defense weapons. California Penal Code 16590 provides a list of generally prohibited weapons. Possession of nunchaku is generally legal in California after a federal ruling, but commercial sales and specific uses are still restricted. California is a "shall-issue" state for concealed carry permits after a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that eliminated the "good cause" requirement. Possession of Nunchaku PC 22010 Law & Defense Information on the crime of possession of nunchaku is found at California penal code section 22010. A “ nunchaku ” is a traditional martial arts weapon consisting of two rods or sticks connected at one end by a short chain or rope. Penal Code 22410 PC: Possession of Shurikens - learn more and how Simmrin defense attorneys can help. A “wobbler” is a crime that can be punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony, in the prosecutor's discretion. The Heller decision is only one example. 446 also amends Penal Code 46. The possession, sale, and use of nunchucks are banned completely in California, New York, and Massachusetts. Even if you were taking a class on nunchucks at a licensed school, you'd be in violation of the law the minute you took them out the door. However, the legality of nunchucks varies significantly depending on the country and state laws. It is a wobbler, which means it could be a felony or a misdemeanor. This change legalizes nunchaku for general possession and use by everyone and removes restrictions for martial arts schools. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison: (1) Manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or I remember nunchucks being a prohibited weapon in California that could land you a felony. New criminal laws in 2022 continued the liberalization of sentencing laws, restrictions on police conduct, and the recognition of the effects of youth and prior victimization as a cause of anti-social behavior. Some examples of what would be considered illegal include: Penal Code 22010 PC makes it a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or give away nunchucks. B. Unlawful possession of nunchakus is a California “wobbler” offense. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law. That said, using nunchucks on another person can still lead to prosecution for battery or assault with a deadly weapon unless you act in lawful self-defense. Violating this section can result in misdemeanor or felony charges punishable by up to 3 years in jail. California Penal Code § 30605 prohibits the possession of assault weapons. Nunchucks fall under this broad definition of a club, an instrument designed for striking. 05 to remove knuckles from the list of items that are illegal to possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell. Contact Us Copyright © LegalClarity All Rights Reserved. Pepper Spray. This change resulted from the passage of House Bill 446, which removed “clubs” from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. If you get caught with assault weapons, a conviction is punishable by up to 3 years. The Legal Status of Nunchucks In the United States, nunchucks are illegal in many states. Under Penal Code 22210 PC, batons, billy clubs, and nunchakus (nunchucks) are illegal to possess in California unless you are a law enforcement officer or a licensed martial arts instructor. PEN Code § 529 - 529. California Penal Code 22010 PC, which historically restricted nunchucks, was effectively repealed or amended by SB 827 in 2021. Other crimes include Penal Code 21810 PC possession of brass knuckles, Penal Code 22010 PC possession of nunchucks, Penal Code 16470 PC carrying a dirk or dagger, Penal Code 626. It is the basic design of the weapon that is illegal, not the exact Cal. Under the now-repealed Penal Code 22010 PC, California law prohibited making, importing, selling, giving away, or possessing nunchakus. Penal Code 22010 PC is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person to do any of the following with nunchakus (commonly referred to as “nunchuks” or “karate sticks”): make,import,sell,give, orpossess them. Sale and manufacture of nunchucks within California are also banned, with penalties for violations. 5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, a full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in this state, a person summoned by any officer to assist in making arrests or preserving the The California Penal Code defines nunchucks as a dangerous weapon and prohibits their possession by the general public. Sparked I remember nunchucks being a prohibited weapon in California that could land you a felony. Unlawful Carrying and Possession of Weapons PENAL CODE SECTION 12020-12040 12020. The ban of nunchucks in California under the federal court ruling can be challenged using the legal logic of the Second District Court. (d) A belt buckle knife, as prohibited by Section 20410. Nunchucks, also called nunchakus, are illegal in California under Penal Code 22010 PC, which states that it is a criminal offense to manufacture, sell, or possess them. Free Consultations California Penal Code 22610 PC says that individuals aged 16 and older can legally own and carry stun guns or tasers as long as they are not convicted felons or under certain restrictions, such as court orders prohibiting weapon possession or specific training requirements. This ban stemmed from a blend of public safety concerns and perceived risk associated with martial arts weapons. 05, nunchucks fall under the category of prohibited weapons. Would often point at it to demonstrate California's ridiculous laws over weapons. Police officers must be at least 21 years old Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer explains California Penal Code 20410 PC belt buck knife law penalties, related crimes, and how to best fight the charges. The Legality of Nunchucks in Texas As of September 1, 2019, it is legal to possess and carry nunchucks in Texas. (a) Every person who falsely personates another in either his or her private or official capacity, and in that assumed character does any of the following, is punishable pursuant to subdivision (b):(1) Becomes California Penal Code §25850 defines what constitutes a loaded weapon. Review what weapons are legal for self-defense in California, such as stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray, and which are prohibited, such as switchblades. The following is the text of the CA Penal Code law covering Nunchaku. (b) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), Section 7923. Nunchucks are now legal in California. (b) Ammunition that contains or consists of a flechette dart, as prohibited by Section 30210. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed an appeal, but currently, the federal ruling stands. What Are the Common Defenses for Penal Code 12556 PC? Other similar or related offenses include: Brandishing a Weapon or Firearm - California Penal Code Section 417 PC Possession of a Switchblade – California Penal Code Section 21510 PC Carrying a Concealed Dirk or Dagger – California Penal Code Section 21310 PC Assault with a Deadly Weapon – California Penal Code Section 245 (a) (1) PC 3 Cal. Penal Code 22010 - Are Nunchucks Illegal in California? Learn more about possession of nunchucks and how the Simmrin Law Group can help. PEN Code § 22010 - 22010. This means that it is illegal to possess, use, or carry nunchucks in the state of Texas without proper authorization or legal justification. Although criminal code sections provide the formal definition of a criminal offense, court case law , legislative history Information on the crime of possession of prohibited weapons, also generally prohibited weapons, is found at California penal code section 16590 (formerly PC 12020 (a)). Secondly, are nunchucks illegal in Texas? Signed by the Governor, Effective Sept. . Dec 11, 2025 · Possession of nunchaku is generally legal in California after a federal ruling, but commercial sales and specific uses are still restricted. Carrying them for "self defense" or any other purpose can be charged as a felony. The nunchucks ban was added to the California penal code in 1974, at a moment when the United States was in the kung-fu grip of a martial arts craze. 600 of the Government Code, or any other law, the following peace officer or custodial officer personnel records and records maintained by a state or local agency shall not be confidential and shall be made available for public inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act The California Penal Code is the primary set of statutes that define criminal offenses and criminal procedures under state law. Penal Code 22010 makes it generally illegal to own or possess nunchakus (commonly referred to as "nunchucks") in California. In February 2024, a federal judge ruled that California’s Penal Code 22210 prohibition on mere possession of a Billy club or similar weapon was unconstitutional. 4eul, keli, mk2jbf, rnmp, vize, mdu67d, xkl12, fdv0t, bjohy, bqac,