PC 18710: Possession of Destructive Devices

Legal Definition: “(a) Except as provided by this chapter, any person, firm, or corporation who, within this state, possesses any destructive device, other than fixed ammunition of a caliber greater than .60 caliber, is guilty of a public offense.”

To be found guilty under PC 18710 the prosecution must prove that you intentionally:

1. You possessed a destructive device;
2. You knew you possessed it;

AND

3. You knew that what you possessed was a destructive device.

What does this mean?

A person does not have to actually hold or touch something to possess it. It is enough if the person has to control it/the right to control it, either personally or through another person. Two or more people may possess something at the same time. What this means, is that you can simply have possession of the item, it doesn’t matter if you plan on making a big explosion in an empty field, or you just want to sit it on your wall. Possession alone is a crime if you have a destructive device. However, if you do not have knowledge that the item you possessed is a destructive device (defined below), you can use that as a defense against the charges against you.

A “destructive device” includes any of the following weapons:

(1) Any projectile containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, including, but not limited to, that which is commonly known as a tracer or incendiary ammunition, except tracer ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns.

(2) Any bomb, grenade, explosive missile, or similar device or any launching device therefore.

(3) Any weapon of a caliber greater than 0.60 caliber which fires fixed ammunition, or any ammunition therefore, other than a shotgun (smooth or rifled bore) conforming to the definition of a “destructive device” found in subsection (b) of Section 479.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, shotgun ammunition (single projectile or shot), antique rifle, or an antique cannon.

(4) Any rocket, rocket-propelled projectile, or similar device of a diameter greater than 0.60 inches, or any launching device therefor, and any rocket, rocket-propelled projectile, or similar device containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, other than the propellant for that device, except those devices as are designed primarily for emergency or distress signaling purposes.

(5) Any breakable container that contains a flammable liquid with a flashpoint of 150 degrees Fahrenheit or less and has a wick or similar device capable of being ignited, other than a device that is commercially manufactured primarily for the purpose of illumination.

(6) Any sealed device containing dry ice (CO2) or other chemically reactive substances assembled for the purpose of causing an explosion by a chemical reaction.

(7) A bullet containing or carrying an explosive agent is not a destructive device as that term is used in subdivision (a).

Penalties

A violation under PC 18710 is a wobbler offense in California. This means you can be charged with this crime as a misdemeanor or as a felony offense. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense depends on the facts of your case and your criminal history. If you are convicted of this section as a misdemeanor, you could be sentenced to up to one year in county jail. If you are convicted of this crime as a felony, you can be sentenced to upwards of 16, 2, or 3 years in a State Prison. You would have to serve at least 50% of that time in custody. You could also be subjected to fines from $1,000 for a misdemeanor charge up to $10,000 fines for a felony conviction.

If you possess the destructive device recklessly or maliciously, you could be sentenced to up to 2, 4, or 6 years in a State Prison.

This is not a strike offense under the California Three Strikes law, and it is not a Sex Offense under PC 290. You could also face a loss of your Professional License if convicted, and if you are not a legal resident, you could face Deportation in Immigration Court since the offense could be considered an aggravated felony and is a crime of moral turpitude, making you now deportable.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Violation of Rights
3. Insufficient Evidence
4. Coerced Confessions
5. Entrapment

If you do not have knowledge that you are in possession of a destructive device, then you cannot be found guilty of this section. Therefore, if you simply are given a bag with the item in it, and you do not investigate or are never told what is in the bag, then when it turns out it is a destructive device, you cannot be found guilty. Failing to show that you knew the item was a destructive device, would show a missing element required to find you guilty of the crime since there is insufficient evidence to convict you.

Entrapment occurs when police, or their agents, encourage or promote the crime by way of their overbearing conduct. The idea has to be formed in the mind of the police, and not on the Defendant, in order to successfully use this defense. If your Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney can show that you were entrapped into possession of the destructive device, through a possible undercover operation, Entrapment would act as an affirmative defense to the charges. This would mean your case can be dismissed if your attorney can show you were entrapped and improperly influenced by police to commit this crime.

Call Today

Navigating the repercussions of a criminal charge, particularly in explosive cases like those under PC 18710, requires not just legal representation, but an advocate well-versed in the nuances of such complex cases. A conviction can have far-reaching impacts on your life, potentially affecting employment, job security, and earning potential, not to mention the indelible mark it can leave on your record.

Understanding the gravity of these charges is the first step. Seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney who can provide you with the necessary defense strategy is crucial. At Inland Empire Defense, our Ontario PC 18710 attorney is renowned for their expertise in handling explosive-related cases. With a proven track record in successfully defending clients against charges under PC 18710, we bring a depth of knowledge and strategic insight to your case.

Take the right step towards protecting your future by reaching out to your local Rancho Cucamonga Criminal Defense Attorney at Inland Empire Defense. Dial 909-939-7126 for a consultation and benefit from our commitment to delivering robust legal representation. Our office, conveniently located in Ontario, ensures that you have easy access to top-tier legal support.