You can use this article to learn more about the California Penal Code Section 464: Safe Blowing. Safe blowing may also be referred to as “safecracking” or “burglary of a safe or vault” in California. You may even hear this charge called “burglary with explosives.”
Go over the definition of safe blowing right here with the Simmrin Law Group. You can focus on how this charge is punished in the state of California. Legal professionals can also provide you with information about legal defenses for PC 464 accusations.
California’s Legal Definition for Safe Blowing
The definition of safe blowing is set forth under PC 464 in the state of California. According to this legal code, individuals may be charged with safe blowing if they enter any building and try to open a:
- Safe
- Vault
- Other Secure Place
Individuals can face this charge if they attempt to use any of the following methods to enter a vault, safe, or secure place:
- Acetylene Torches
- Electric Arcs
- Burning Bars
- Thermal Lances
- Oxygen Lances
- Nitroglycerine
- Dynamite
- Gunpowder
PC 464 charges can also apply if an individual utilizes other explosives or tools that can burn their way through:
- Concrete
- Steel
- Other Solid Surfaces
Examples of Safe Blowing in Los Angeles
Man A and his friends come up with a plan to break into a local jewelry store to steal valuables out of a safe in the back. They bring along a thermal lance to cut through the locking mechanism. While they are working, an alarm trips and alerts the police. They are caught in the store, damaging the safe. They could be charged with burglary and safe blowing in California.
Man B owns a garage where he regularly does welding work. One day, one of his friends brings him a safe that the friend stole the previous night. The friend hopes Man B can use his tools to open the safe. Man B agrees to try. He could face criminal charges for his actions, but should not be charged under PC 464, because he did not enter a building to engage in safe blowing.
Other Charges Like Safe Blowing in the State of California
Safe blowing is considered a type of burglary by the court system in California. Charges associated directly with safe blowing can include:
- California Penal Code Section 466: Possession of Burglary Tools
- California Penal Code Section 18710: Possessing Destructive Devices
- California Penal Code Section 18720: Possessing Destructive Device Materials
There are also a number of other charges that are tied to acts of theft in California, including:
- California Penal Code Section 211: Robbery
- California Penal Code Section 484(a) & 488: Petty Theft
- California Penal Code Section 487: Grand Theft
A theft crimes lawyer in Los Angeles can help you familiarize yourself with all of these charges and the unique ways they are handled in California’s court system.
The Results of a Conviction for Safe Blowing in California
The court system in California can prosecute safe blowing as a felony. This means that the penalties for a PC 464 conviction can be incredibly high. These penalties can include:
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Jail Time: Up to Seven Years
Possible Legal Defenses for Safe Blowing Accusations
You can get professional help if you are accused of safe blowing in the state of California. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can start working on your specific legal needs right away. Based upon the facts of your case, a legal professional could build your defense by showing that:
You Didn’t Enter a Building
Individuals must enter a building in order to be convicted of safe blowing in California. This means that you should not face this charge if someone brought you a safe and asked you to open it. You could, however, face other criminal charges in this situation.
You Didn’t Intend to Commit a Crime When Entering a Building
According to PC 464, you must enter a building while intending to commit a crime to be charged under PC 464. This means that if you were caught in a building and arrested on suspicion of safe blowing, your lawyer could be able to defend you by showing that you did not intend to break into any safe, vault, or secure place.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Handle Safe Blowing Charges
Make sure you are ready to take on California Penal Code Section 464: Safe Blowing charges by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group. Let us begin focusing on your case now. You can reach our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles easily by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
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