Since we are speaking of illegalities, there are in fact at least two California Penal Code sections dealing with the use of the unlawful use of laser devices:
California Penal Code 247.5. Any person who willfully and maliciously discharges a laser at an aircraft, whether in motion or in flight, while occupied, is guilty of a violation of this section, which shall be punishable as either a misdemeanor by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year or by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or a felony by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, two years, or three years, or by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000). This section does not apply to the conduct of laser development activity by or on behalf of the United States Armed Forces. As used in this section, "aircraft" means any contrivance intended for and capable of transporting persons through the airspace. As used in this section, "laser" means a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared region of the spectrum, and when discharged exceeds one milliwatt continuous wave. California Penal Code 417.25. (a) Every person who, except in self-defense, knowingly draws or exhibits a laser scope, as defined in subdivision (b), that projects a colored target on a person in a threatening manner against that person with the specific intent to cause a reasonable person apprehension or fear of bodily harm is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to 30 days. For purposes of this section, the laser scope need not be attached to afirearm. (b) As used in this section, "laser scope" means a portable battery-powered device capable of being attached to a firearm and capable of projecting a laser light on objects at a distance. Tin In a message dated 11/10/98 5:12:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << Here in thoroughly civilized and polite Southern California, it is illegal to aim a laser at (flying) aircraft. Further, for those who have some experience with laser sight aids, the observance of a red dot dancing on their torso might well lead to a more active response than mere amusement. Maybe I ought to give up sitting in my backyard at night, dry firing my laser equipped pistol at the passing police helicopters. Regards, Ed -------------------------- Ed Price [email protected] Electromagnetic Compatibility Lab Cubic Defense Systems San Diego, CA. USA 619-505-2780 Date: 11/10/1998 Time: 16:59:47 -------------------------- >> --------- This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to [email protected] with the single line: "unsubscribe emc-pstc" (without the quotes). For help, send mail to [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] (the list administrators).
