Possession of Pepper Spray

[MM4646]

Hello,

I was inquiring about the laws regarding pepper spray possession and use in NY. I have read the laws and there are to many restrictions, and basically the pepper spray I have is does not meet some of them (it's larger and stronger).

I do not plan on using the pepper spray, but recently my friend got mugged in front of his car and was severely beaten. I do not want to carry a hand gun or a knife, as I feel they can cause serious bodily harm.

The next logical thing for me to carry is a pepper spray, but since NY is so strict I have a few questions.

1. If a police officer stops me on a traffic stop and decides to search my car for whatever reason, and finds my pepper spray, can I get arrested for possession? Or will they just confiscate it?

2. If I do use the pepper spray for self defense, what charges can be pressed against me? The pepper spray I have does not meet the NY standard, that’s why I'm concerned.

Thanks in advance.

[Mr. Knowitall]

It is conceivable that you could be arrested.

You should trade down to a legal version.