What is a Dirk or Dagger and is it legal To Carry One in California?
According to California Penal Code Section 21310 PC, it is illegal to carry a concealed dirk or dagger. California has enacted this law because they feel that concealed weapons are too dangerous for society. This only applies to a concealed dirk or dagger. It is not against the law to open carry such a weapon in a sheath. A dirk or dagger is defined under Penal Code 16470 PC as a:- A knife or other instrument with or without a hand guard
- Is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict a significant or substantial physical injury or death.
What the Prosecutor Must Prove
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must be able to prove that a defendant is guilty of the following.- The defendant had possession of a dirk or dagger
- The defendant knew that he or she was carrying it
- The dirk or dagger was concealed on the defendant’s body and the defendant knew it could readily be used as a stabbing weapon