You cannot be too careful nowadays. It is a crazy world we live in, and people can become the victims of violent crimes when they least expect it. As a result, many people have taken to carrying self-defense tools as precautions. Two such tools are blackjacks and defense batons. While there are no laws that explicitly address blackjacks or defense batons, you should still be careful about when and where you carry these tools.
Blackjacks and defense batons are generally legal to have and carry. You do not need to get special permits or go through things like background checks to obtain one of these tools. However, the law considers them to be “dangerous weapons” and places restrictions on who can have them and where they can be carried. Failure to obey these restrictions may lead to legal trouble. You could also land in hot water if you use a blackjack or defense baton to commit a crime.
If you are charged with a crime related to your blackjack or defense baton tools, our Salt Lake City weapons charges defense lawyers can help. Speak with our team at the Overson & Bugden about arranging a free case review. Call our offices at (801) 758-2287.
What Are Blackjacks and Defense Batons in Utah?
Blackjacks and defense batons are similar devices used for self-defense purposes. While both tend to be club-shaped, they have unique distinctions that make them dangerous in different ways. A blackjack or sap is often a short, club-like instrument wrapped in leather. At one end of the blackjack is a dense knob, traditionally filled with lead. The device can be swung very easily as it is not very heavy, and the metal knob can cause serious damage when it strikes its target. Blackjacks and billy clubs, another type of short club, have been known to cause brain damage or even death when used to hit someone in the head.
A defense baton is a general term for baton or club-shaped tools that are also used to strike would-be attackers. Defense batons can be made from a number of different sturdy materials, such as metal, plastic, or wood. Some batons are even collapsible for easy concealment and transportation. Much like blackjacks, defense batons are capable of causing painful injuries when used effectively. Other self-defense weapons like slappers or whips perform a similar function.
While these tools can be dangerous, they are not illegal to own. However, they are not completely unregulated either. Certain people might be restricted from carrying defense batons or blackjacks, and there are certain locations and circumstances in which these tools should not be carried. Our Ogden weapons charges defense lawyers can help you fight any criminal charges related to these self-defense tools.
Are Defense Batons and Blackjacks Legal in Utah?
Since there are no laws that explicitly ban or prohibit the use or possession of blackjacks and defense batons, these tools are legal to own and carry throughout Utah. However, it is wise to speak with our Utah weapons charges defense lawyers if you are considering buying one of these tools, as local city and town ordinances may impose stricter regulations.
Even though blackjacks and defense batons are legal to have, they are also regarded as dangerous weapons. Dangerous weapons are legally defined under Utah Code § 76-10-501. The law does not mention blackjacks and defense batons by name, but it does provide a more general description that easily encompasses these tools. Under the law, a dangerous weapon is any tool or device capable of causing serious bodily harm when used for its intended purpose in the manner it was designed.
Because these tools are legally designated as dangerous weapons, people who own or possess them must comply with Utah Code § 76-10-503 that restricts certain people from having dangerous weapons. People with certain backgrounds, like felony convictions, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, are on parole or probation, are bound by protective orders, or numerous other factors may be restricted. Depending on your circumstances, you may be a Category I or II restricted person. A Category I restricted person may be charged with a third-degree felony for having a dangerous weapon, and a Category II restricted person could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
Criminal Charges Related to Blackjacks or Defense Batons in Utah
Self-defense tools like blackjacks and defense batons are designed to cause bodily harm to would-be attackers. However, they are sometimes used for less savory purposes by people with criminal intentions. Sometimes the crimes are planned out, and the blackjack or baton is carried as a weapon. Other times, the crime is more spontaneous, like an argument that turns into a physical altercation, but the tool is used for more than self-defense.
If a blackjack or defense baton is used in a crime, fight, or some other unlawful activity, you might be hit with weapons-related charges. For example, you could be charged with assault after an altercation in a bar. However, if you used a blackjack, you could be charged with assault with a dangerous weapon or something similar. When charges are upgraded because of the use of a weapon, the penalties are often much greater, and you could spend time behind bars.
To defend yourself against these criminal charges, we can challenge the prosecutor’s arguments that you used the blackjack or defense baton for nefarious purposes. If you used these tools in a fight, we can claim self-defense, the very purpose these tools made for. If the tools were seized as evidence, we can challenge the legality of the search and seizure and hopefully suppress the evidence of weapons. Whatever your charges, our Utah criminal defense lawyers can help you fight your case.
Call Our Utah Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys
If you are charged with a weapons-related offense, particularly for blackjacks or defense batons, our Provo criminal defense lawyers can help. You should not be charged for defending yourself from harm. The lawyers of Overson & Bugden offer free case reviews for new clients. Call us at (801) 758-2287.
