PC 417.25 – Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer

Youtuber Styropyro builds one of the world’s largest lasers in his garage and calls it a “laser bazooka”.

Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer – Table of Contents

• PC 417.25 Overview
• PC 417.25 Related Crimes
• PC 417.25 Defending
• Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer – Hire Us

PC 417.25 – Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer – Overview

California’s Penal Code Section 417.25 makes it a crime to cause another person to point a laser level or laser pointer in a threatening manner. Violating this law is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. The specific language in the code section states the following:

417.25(a) Any person who, except in self-defense, directs or aims a laser scope, as specified in subsection (b), or a laser pointer, as specified in subsection (c)), and another person in a manner that is considered threatening, with the explicit intention of causing a reasonable person to fear injury, will be regarded as guilty. Punishment for this crime can include imprisonment in the city jail for up to 30 days. It is important to note that the laser sight does not need to be installed on the weapon for this arrangement to be installed.

417.25(b) For this section, the term “Laser scope” refers to a small, battery-powered device that can be mounted on a weapon and can direct a laser beam onto a distant object.

417.25(c) For this section, the term “laser pointer” includes any hand-held device that produces a single point of light produced by the excitation of a beam of light, visible to the human eye and usually used for demonstration or presentation.

PC 417.25 – Related Crimes

1. It is a crime in California to shine a light on an aircraft to interfere with its operation, as stated in Penal Code 248. This offense is a misdemeanor, resulting in up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $1,000.
2. Discharging a laser maliciously at an occupied aircraft, as outlined in Penal Code 247.5, is also a crime in California. This is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be sentenced as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation and the defendant’s criminal history. If charged as a misdemeanor, the punishment may involve up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $1,000. If sentenced as a felony, the penalty can be up to three years in county jail or a fine of up to $2,000.
3. Possessing a silencer is also a crime in California under Penal Code 33410. A silencer is a device that minimizes the sound of a gun when fired. This offense is a felony, resulting in up to three years in county jail or a fine of up to $10,000.

PC 417.25 – Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer – Defense

Legal avenues are available to you if you are accused of violating PC 417.25 in California. It is advisable to promptly commence working on your defense by engaging the services of a legal practitioner who can assist you in demonstrating that:

Acted in Self-Defense

Ordinarily, individuals are prohibited from directing laser pointers or scopes at others in a menacing manner. However, an exception to this rule exists if you acted in defense of yourself or another person. In such a scenario, you acted in self-defense, which the court recognizes.

Not Utilizing Laser

PC 417.25 charges should only be brought against you if you employed one of the devices mentioned earlier. If you directed a different type of light at someone, this should not result in a PC 417.25 conviction. For instance, you should not be charged with this offense if you directed a flashlight, not a laser pointer.

Coerced Confession

California has established a legal provision prohibiting law enforcement officials from utilizing excessive and oppressive tactics to obtain a confession.

If an individual can demonstrate that they were coerced into confessing by the police, two potential outcomes may arise.

Firstly, the judge may choose to exclude the confession from being presented as evidence.

Alternatively, the case may be dismissed entirely if the individual was compelled to confess to a crime they did not commit.

PC 417.25 – Hire a Lawyer

Understanding that the state takes this offense seriously and prosecutes it under Penal Code 417.25 is crucial. However, there is hope in this situation. By enlisting the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney, you can effectively fight against these PC 417.25 charges. Don’t let yourself become a victim of the legal system – take action and protect your rights today.

Need an Attorney? CALL NOW: 213-932-8922

Yuliya Kelmansky is an Expert Attorney who has over 15 years of practice defending a variety of cases.