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Guns, Knives, Beer Bottles, and Dogs...All Deadly Weapons

By Neil Shous, Esq.

Yes, that?s right. California law recognizes even seemingly innocent objects such as beer bottles and animals such as dogs as deadly weapons?that is, if used in a manner that is likely to cause a serious injury to another. If, for example, Bob is in a bar brawl?and smashes a beer bottle over Mike?s head?prosecutors could charge him with assault with a deadly weapon. Similarly, if Sue instructs her dog to attack Phil, the dog qualifies as a deadly weapon. But what about police dogs? These dogs are by definition deadly weapons, since they are trained to attack on command. And while it?s true that they are useful tools for cops, when used inappropriately, police dogs and the police who command them are abusing their power. And let?s face it, animals are unpredictable...continue to full post

Full post as published by California Criminal Defense Blog on May 27, 2010 (boomark / email).