Can I carry a mini pry bar in Ca?

Question

I have had a mini pry bar that I carryed when I walk run or ride my bicycle. It was a 24 inches long I used for protection against dogs such a pitbull's If they attack. I was stopped by the cops and they took it away saying it was a concealed weapon. I would not be pissed or care but I felt they did not believe me and just lied to take it away. So is a 24 inch pry bar a concealed weapon I had it attached to my bike.

Answer 1

I think you misunderstood.  If you told them you used it as a weapon, then you were in possession of a billy club, illegal under PC 12020 whether or not concealed.  In other words, they DID believe you and you told them you were violating the law.  Any lawful item can be an illegal weapon if possessed for that purpose.  As Eric says, riding around with a pry bar could cause a suspicion that you were intending to use it to commit a burglary of a home or car, also illegal.

Take the suggestion (if you 18, or 16 and have your parent's permission) and get some pepper spray for this kind of self-protection.  And if you get a walking stick, tell them you use it as a walking stick, not as a club!

Answer 2

What is considered a "weapon" many times has to do with circumstances rather than the object being explicitly named in the law itself.

For example, if you were dressed in mechanics coveralls and were carrying a bag of tools with a pry bar, and the police saw you, they probably wouldn't think much of it.  Even if they stopped you, you could just say "I'm going to work at the garage over there."  They'd probably wouldn't bother you further, because you have a obvious reason to be carrying a pry bar.

But if your walking around just carrying the thing like it's an accessory or on your bike, that come across as suspicious to anybody.  What would you need that bar for?   How are they supposed to know you don't intend to break into a car or house, or crack somebodies kneecaps who owes you money?  Pry bars have that reputation.

Further, you basically told them it was for use as a weapon (use against dogs is still use as a weapon).  That stated intent makes it a "club" under CA law, and illegal.

That being said, anytime a police officer confiscates something, count yourself lucky, but you can demand a receipt.  Though I wouldn't bother unless you are completely certain that what you had was legal.

If you need something to keep the dogs off, pepper spray is very good, as is a walking stick.

Answer 3

If it was attached in plain sight on your bike it was not concealed. But you must remember, that a pry bar is a prime burglar tool. If they had any suspicion (right or wrong) that that was your real intentions, they would just take it, knowing it's not worth the fight to get it back. Get a nice 24 inch bike pump. It will defend you well and the cops can't say ****.  

Answer 4

Not concealed, but obviously a weapon, especially if you admitted to them that it is a weapon.

It's also a burglary tool under a certain light.

Carry pepper spray. It's legal, effective and easy to use.