California Penal Code § 417.25 — Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope or Pointer

California Penal Code § 417.25 makes it a misdemeanor to aim or point a laser scope or laser pointer at another person in a threatening manner with the intent to cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm California.Public.Law+1.

Key Provisions

• (a) Every person who, except in self-defense, aims or points a laser scope (as defined in § 417.25(b)) or a laser pointer (as defined in § 417.25(c)), at another person in a threatening manner with the specific intent to cause a reasonable person fear of bodily harm, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in county jail. The laser scope does not need to be attached to a firearm California.Public.Law+1.

• (b) “Laser scope” means a portable battery-powered device capable of being attached to a firearm and capable of projecting a laser light on objects at a distance California.Public.Law.

• (c) “Laser pointer” means any handheld laser beam device or demonstration laser product that emits a single point of light amplified by stimulated emission of radiation visible to the human eye California.Public.Law.

Examples of Offense

• Pointing a laser scope at someone’s chest in a threatening way.

• Using a laser pointer to intimidate or threaten another person Shouse Law Group.

Penalties

• Misdemeanor (not a felony or infraction).

• Up to 30 days in county jail.

• May be replaced with misdemeanor probation or other court-ordered sanctions Shouse Law Group.

Common Defenses

If charged under § 417.25, possible defenses include:

• Self-defense.

• No laser scope/pointer was used.

• Coerced confession Shouse Law Group.

Related Law

California also has § 417.26, which criminalizes aiming a laser scope or pointer at a peace officer with intent to cause fear or apprehension, carrying enhanced penalties Criminal Defense Lawyers.

In summary: In California, pointing a laser device at another person with the intent to cause fear of bodily harm is a misdemeanor under PC § 417.25, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, unless it qualifies as self-defense.