Can you carry nunchucks in public

That would be a scenario where you could certainly defend yourself. If someone was trying to use deadly force against you and you use nunchucks to defend yourself and it was reasonable under the circumstances. For example, maybe the person was trying to stab you, you could certainly use nunchucks to defend yourself under that circumstance. However, you would still be guilty and violate Penal Code Section because you would be possessing nunchucks.

Even though we see all these great Bruce Lee movies and different scenarios where people are whipping nunchucks around in Los Angeles County and in California, and other states across the country — you cannot possess nunchucks or you would put yourself in a position where you will be arrested, charged with a crime and facing potential jail time and other punishments.

So, what I do if I have a client who is charged with possession of nunchucks and violating that Penal Code Section, I have them come into the office. We sit down and go over everything. We talk about it. Get the Gothamist Daily newsletter and don't miss a moment. Terms By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms.

Do you know the scoop? Comment below or Send us a Tip. NNYC Love. We rely on your support to make local news available to all. Donate Now. David Cruz. Sophia Chang. The two states are trying to remove these cases that posed barriers to employment and housing. In the United States nunchucks vary in legal status from state to state. In Massachusetts, Arizona, New York and California, not only the use, but the possession of nunchucks are illegal.

One case in California involved the police entering the home of a martial arts instructor and, upon sight; the police confiscated a pair of nunchucks hanging as a display on a wall. The man was cited for 6 counts of misdemeanor possession. Statutes in New York, Massachusetts and Arizona are similar in their criminalization of nunchucks.

In a federal suit challenging the legality of the bans and attorney in New York has argued the constitutionality of the ban based on the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. The trial court dismissed the action stating that the 2nd Amendment applied only to federal intrusions on the right to bear arms and the decision was affirmed in an appellate case. However, in a Supreme Court decision held that the appellate decision ruled improperly and held that the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms is applied to the states through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

As of right now the case is pending in the appellate court system and the legality of nunchucks in some states is still illegal.