California Penal Code § 626.10 PC – Weapons on School Grounds
California enforces strict laws to keep weapons off school property. Under Penal Code 626.10 PC, it is a crime to bring or possess certain dangerous weapons on the grounds of any public or private K–12 school — and, in some cases, on college or university campuses.
A conviction can mean jail or prison time, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for your education, career, and future opportunities. For non-citizens, it may also trigger severe immigration penalties, including deportation. In Los Angeles County, prosecutors treat these cases with zero tolerance, and even a first-time offense can result in serious, life-changing punishment.
If you or your child is facing a weapons-on-school-grounds charge, do not wait to get legal help. The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi has over 20 years of experience defending clients in complex criminal cases across Los Angeles County. Contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney today for a free, confidential consultation and start protecting your rights immediately.
Understanding California’s School Weapons Ban
The statute covers a wide range of prohibited weapons on school grounds, including:
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Dirks, daggers, and ice picks
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Knives with blades over 2½ inches (including folding knives with locking mechanisms)
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Switchblades and razors with unguarded blades
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Stun guns or tasers
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BB guns or pellet guns (any device that fires a metallic projectile using air, gas, or spring)
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Brass knuckles and other dangerous striking weapons
This law applies broadly to students, parents, visitors, and even contractors on campus. There are limited exceptions for law enforcement and certain individuals with written permission from school officials, but in most cases, possession alone is enough for prosecutors to file charges.
Examples of Weapons-on-School-Grounds Charges
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Student with an oversized pocketknife – A high school student unknowingly carries a folding knife with a blade exceeding 2½ inches in their backpack.
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Parent with a stun gun at a school event – A parent attends a school play and forgets a stun gun is still in their purse from the night before.
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BB gun used as a stage prop – A college theater student brings a BB gun for a performance without obtaining written permission from school officials.
How the Prosecution Builds a Weapons-on-Campus Case
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must generally prove:
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You knowingly had or brought a prohibited weapon
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You were on school property or another location covered by the law
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No legal exception applied (such as being a peace officer on duty or having written permission from school officials)
One key point: prosecutors don’t have to show you planned to use the weapon. In most cases, simple possession is enough to meet the legal standard — which is why these cases can be filed even when no threat or violence occurred
Penalties for Weapons on School Grounds in California
California law treats bringing weapons onto school property with the utmost seriousness. Depending on the facts of the case and your prior record, the offense can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony — what’s known as a “wobbler” offense.
Misdemeanor Penalties
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County Jail: Up to 1 year
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Fines: Up to $1,000
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Misdemeanor Probation: Often with conditions such as community service, counseling, or stay-away orders from schools
Felony Penalties
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State Prison: Up to 3 years
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Fines: Up to $10,000
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Felony Probation: With stricter terms and longer supervision periods
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Loss of Firearm Rights: A felony conviction can permanently prohibit you from owning or possessing guns in California
Additional Consequences Beyond Court Sentencing
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Mandatory Counseling or Intervention Programs
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School Expulsion and denial of readmission
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Loss of Scholarships or Financial Aid for students
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Immigration Consequences — including deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens
What Defenses Can Be Used Against a Weapons-on-School-Grounds Charge?
Being arrested under California’s school weapons law does not automatically mean you will be convicted. A skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can challenge the case using one or more of these strategies:
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The item was not legally a prohibited weapon – If the knife blade was within the legal limit, the object was not designed to be a weapon, or it didn’t meet the statute’s definition, the prosecution’s case may fail.
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You had no knowledge of the weapon – For example, if a prohibited item was left in a borrowed backpack, gym bag, or vehicle without your awareness.
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You were not actually on school property – The law applies only to specific locations legally defined as “school grounds.” If you were elsewhere, the statute may not apply.
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A legal exception applied – Peace officers on duty, authorized security personnel, or individuals with written permission from the school may be exempt.
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The search or seizure was unlawful – If police violated your constitutional rights when finding the alleged weapon, the court may exclude that evidence, weakening or destroying the prosecution’s case.
Related California Offenses
[PC 626.9 – Gun-Free School Zone Act]
Makes it a crime to possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or those with proper permits.
[PC 21310 – Carrying a Concealed Dirk or Dagger]
Prohibits carrying a concealed dirk or dagger on your person, even if you do not intend to use it.
[PC 21510 – Possession of a Switchblade]
Bans the possession of a switchblade knife with a blade two inches or longer in any public place or vehicle.
[PC 417 – Brandishing a Weapon]
Criminalizes drawing, exhibiting, or using a firearm or deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in the presence of another person.
Speak With a Los Angeles School‑Weapons Defense Attorney Today
Attorney Arash Hashemi has over 20 years of experience defending students, parents, and visitors in weapons-on-school-grounds cases in Los Angeles County. We understand how these cases are charged, the school and immigration consequences that can follow, and how to attack the evidence (search issues, item classification, location, and knowledge). Our team moves fast to seek pre‑filing intervention (DA reject), negotiate reductions to non-weapons offenses, pursue diversion where available, and protect education, employment, and licensing interests.
If you or your child was accused of bringing or possessing a prohibited item on campus, don’t speak to school officials or police without counsel. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who knows how to protect your record and your future.
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