21310 PC – Carrying a Concealed “Dirk” or “Dagger”

Penal Code 21310 PC makes it a criminal offense in California to carry a concealed dirk or dagger. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, and is punishable by up to 3 years in jail or prison.

A dirk or dagger is defined as:

1. a knife or other instrument,
2. with or without a handguard,
3. capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon,
4. the use of which may inflict great bodily injury or death.

The definition excludes most pocket knives unless the blade is locked into position.

Examples of dirks and daggers

• stiletto knives, and
• pocket knives with their blades locked into position.

The text of 21310 PC states that

“any person in this state who carries concealed upon the person any dirk or dagger is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment.”

Examples of violations of this section

• carrying a dagger in a backpack
• going to a concert with a dirk hidden inside a boot
• walking with a dagger in a purse

Defenses

There are a number of legal defenses you can assert. For example, common defenses include:

• there was no dirk or dagger,
• the knife was not concealed, and/or
• the search and seizure was unlawful

Penalties

A violation of this code section is a wobbler offense. Therefore, a prosecutor can charge it as either a:

• misdemeanor, or
• felony.

A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to one year.

Meanwhile, a felony conviction is punishable by custody in state prison for up to three years.

In lieu of jail time, a judge can award either:

• misdemeanor (or summary) probation, or
• felony (or formal) probation.

Our California criminal defense attorneys will highlight the following in this article:

• 1. When is it a crime to carry a dirk or dagger?
  • 1.1. Definition of dirk and dagger
• 2. Are there legal defenses?
  • 2.1. No dirk or dagger
  • 2.2. Not concealed
  • 2.3. Unlawful search and seizure
• 3. What are the penalties for 21310 PC?
• 4. Are there immigration consequences?
• 5. Can I get a conviction expunged?
• 6. Does a conviction affect gun rights?
• 7. Are there related offenses?
  • 7.1. Other prohibited knives
  • 7.2. Special restrictions on knives in public buildings and schools – PC 171b and 626.10
  • 7.3. Brandishing a weapon – PC 417

1. When is it a crime to carry a dirk or dagger?

To prove the charge of Penal Code 21310 PC, the prosecutor must establish the four elements of the crime:

1. you carried on your person a dirk or dagger,
2. you knew that you were carrying it,
3. it was substantially concealed on your person, and also
4. you knew that it could readily be used as a stabbing weapon. ^{1 2}

Note that a prosecutor does not have to prove that:

• you used or intended to use
• the dirk or dagger as a weapon.³

Also note that the fourth element above is a question of fact. Therefore, a judge or jury will decide it based on all of the facts of a case.⁴

However, questions often arise under this statute on the meaning of “dirk” and “dagger.”

1.1. Definition of dirk and dagger

21310 PC defines a dirk or dagger (sometimes called a dirk knife) as a:

• knife or other instrument,
• with or without a handguard,
• that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon, and
• can inflict great bodily injury or death.⁵

“Great bodily injury” means significant or substantial physical injury.⁶

Note that folding knives (other than switchblade knives) are considered a dirk/dagger only if:

1. the blade of the knife is exposed, and
2. the blade is locked into position.⁷

Therefore, you can legally carry a concealed pocketknife if it is closed or if the blade cannot be locked.⁸

You can also legally carry a dirk or dagger if:

1. it is carried in a sheath, and
2. it is worn openly, suspended from your waist.⁹

2. Are there legal defenses?

Defense attorneys employ a number of legal strategies in a 21310 PC case to raise a reasonable doubt. Three common defenses are:

1. no dirk or dagger,
2. not concealed weapon, and/or
3. unlawful search and seizure.

Note that it is not a defense to criminal charges if you carried the concealed knife for self-defense.

2.1. No dirk or dagger

This section only applies to concealed dirks and daggers. Further, California criminal law has a technical definition of these knives. This means it is a defense for you to show that:

• while you may have had a concealed knife,
• it does not meet the legal definition of a “dirk” or “dagger.”

Example: Harry never leaves his house in L.A. without a folding knife in his pocket. Since the knife is in the closed position, it does not qualify as a dirk or dagger under 21310 PC. Therefore, he is lawfully allowed to carry it concealed throughout California.

2.2. Not concealed weapon

You are guilty under these laws only if you had a concealed dirk/dagger. Therefore, you can try and overcome a charge by showing that you were lawfully carrying a dirk.

Example: Julie walks around San Diego in possession of a dirk knife in a sheath suspended from her waist belt. A concerned pedestrian points out Julie to a police officer. But when the police officer sees that the sheath is being carried openly and not concealed, the officer explains to the pedestrian that Julie is not violating 21310 PC.

2.3. Unlawful search and seizure

Police cannot conduct a search or take property without a valid search warrant (or an exception to the search warrant rule). Therefore if law enforcement authorities obtain evidence from an illegal search and seizure, then the defense can bring a motion to suppress evidence of the illegal weapon. If granted, this may consequently lead to a dismissal of the charges.

Example: A San Francisco police officer sees Tom walking down the street wearing an anti-cop t-shirt. Offended, the officer stops and frisks Tom and finds that Tom is carrying a concealed dagger. If Tom gets charged with violating 21310 PC, Tom could ask the judge to disregard the knife as evidence since the officer had no legal right to stop and frisk him.

3. What are the penalties for 21310 PC?

A violation of these laws is charged as a wobbler offense. Therefore, a prosecutor can charge it as either a:

• misdemeanor, or
• felony.

If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by:

• misdemeanor (or summary) probation,
• custody in county jail for up to one year, and/or
• a maximum fine of $1,000.¹⁰

If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by:

• felony (or formal) probation,
• imprisonment in county jail for up to three years, and/or
• a maximum fine of $10,000.¹¹

4. Are there immigration consequences?

A conviction under 21310 PC will not have any immigration consequences. Though the law is always changing, so be sure to consult an immigration attorney.

5. Can I get a conviction expunged?

You can get a criminal record expungement following a dirk or dagger conviction.

This is true provided that you successfully complete:

• probation, or
• a jail sentence (whichever is applicable).

In sum, an expungement means you are released from many of the hardships caused by a conviction.¹²

6. Does a conviction affect gun rights?

You will lose the right to own or possess a gun if convicted of felony dirk or dagger concealment. That is why it is so important to retain experienced counsel to fight the charges.

7. Are there related offenses?

In sum, there are three crimes related to carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. These are:

1. other prohibited knives,
2. special restrictions on knives in public buildings and schools – PC 171b and 626.10,
3. brandishing a weapon – PC 417.

7.1. Other prohibited knives

California prohibits the possession, sale, manufacture or import of the following knives

• air gauge knives,
• belt buckle knives,
• cane swords,
• undetectable knives,
• lipstick case knives,
• shobi-zues, and also
• writing pen knives.

Like PC 21310 violations, crimes involving the above knives are also charged as wobblers.

7.2. Special restrictions on knives in public buildings and schools – PC 171b and 626.10

Firstly, Penal Code 171b PC makes it a crime to:

• bring any prohibited knives
• into any state or local public building.

Secondly, Penal Code 626.10a1 PC makes it illegal to bring any of the following onto a public or private school:

• certain knives, and
• ice picks.

Note that “certain knives” include dirks and daggers.

7.3. Brandishing a weapon – PC 417

Penal Code 417 PC prohibits drawing, exhibiting, or also using a weapon in a threatening manner.

Note that if you brandish a concealed dirk or dagger, you can be charged under both:

• PC 21310, and
• PC 417.

For additional help…

In conclusion, for additional guidance or to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney, we invite you to contact us at Shouse Law Group. We also have law offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, Riverside, Long Beach, Pomona, Highland, and throughout the state.

For information on knife laws in Nevada and Colorado, also please see our articles on:

• “Nevada Knife Laws,” and also
• “Knife Laws in Colorado.”

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