ASP Batons in NY

[carrot]

For reference, I'm referring to NY State and not NYC --

Just how bad would it be (for me legally) if I had to defend myself from an attacker with a telescoping ASP baton?

I'm trying to understand the legal issues behind using one in my state.

 

[tom19176]

No matter what you would be charged with weapon psoosseion in the fourth degree. Depending on the what, how and why there maybe other charges. Judges don't like illegal weapons even if used in self defense....stick to mace in NY. If you are thinking along the lines of self defense. look at another section of the Penal Law...sec 35 which is justification. It will give you guidlines when you can use any force against another up to and including deadly force, good to read before not after a incident

 

[carrot]

So, weapons possession to the fourth degree results in a class A misdemeanor, if I read the law correctly. What exactly does a class A misdemeanor mean to me?

 

[tom19176]

It is a class A Misd if you have no other criminal convictions. If you have any prior criminal conviction of any kind then it is a D felony. As a A Misd you COULD be sentenced to one day less that a full year in jail. What would happen is totally up the judge. Most likely a fine and probation and a life long record.