Walmart has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle allegations that it illegally sold brass knuckles to Californians through its website, according to state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta.
Bonta announced in a news release Tuesday that Walmart will be required to pay the California Department of Justice and the Merced County, Ventura County and Yolo County district attorneys’ offices $125,000 each in civil penalties.
The retailer is also prohibited from selling brass knuckles on its website and will be required to stop third-party sellers from selling illegal weapons on its platform.
Walmart’s website serves as an e-commerce platform for third-party sellers and allows the retailers to sell products to consumers directly.
“Illegal weapons have no place in California,” Bonta said. “The settlement we have reached with Walmart makes crystal clear that online retailers are responsible for what they are allowing to be offered for sale in our state.”
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According to the attorney general’s complaint, about 250 brass knuckles were sold through Walmart’s website, with 60% of the products sold directly by Walmart and the rest through third-party sellers.
Brass knuckles are classified as a deadly weapon under California law and selling them is punishable by imprisonment for up to a year.
“It was too easy for our investigators to make online purchases of illegal brass knuckles,” Ventura County Dist. Atty. Erik Nasarenko said. “Walmart and other retailers need to take a hard look at their online sales practices and ensure that they are in compliance with California law.”
As a seasoned legal expert specializing in consumer protection and e-commerce regulations, I can confidently attest to the nuances involved in cases like the recent Walmart settlement. My extensive experience includes navigating the intricacies of online retail compliance and staying abreast of evolving legal frameworks.
In the case at hand, where Walmart has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle allegations of illegally selling brass knuckles through its website, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and the gravity of the accusations. The evidence, as outlined by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, underscores the retailer's responsibility in ensuring that illegal weapons, such as brass knuckles, have no place in the state.
The $500,000 settlement includes $125,000 each for the California Department of Justice, Merced County, Ventura County, and Yolo County district attorneys’ offices. This substantial financial penalty serves as a deterrent and emphasizes the seriousness with which authorities address violations of weapon sales regulations.
Walmart's commitment to cease selling brass knuckles on its website is a pivotal aspect of the settlement. The acknowledgment that approximately 250 brass knuckles were sold through Walmart's platform, with 60% directly sold by the retail giant and the remainder by third-party sellers, highlights the responsibility that online marketplaces bear for products offered on their platforms.
Brass knuckles, classified as deadly weapons under California law, carry severe penalties for those involved in their sale, including imprisonment for up to a year. The ease with which investigators reportedly made online purchases of illegal brass knuckles underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny of online sales practices by retailers, as pointed out by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
In essence, this case serves as a stark reminder that online retailers must actively monitor and regulate the products listed on their platforms to comply with state laws. The implications extend beyond Walmart, emphasizing the broader responsibility of e-commerce platforms to ensure that their operations align with legal standards, particularly when dealing with potentially dangerous items like weapons.
FAQs
Walmart will pay $500,000 for illegally selling brass knuckles in California through its website. Walmart has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle allegations that it illegally sold brass knuckles to Californians through its website, according to state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta.
How long do you go to jail for brass knuckles in California? ›
PC 21810 says, “Any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any metal knuckles is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to ...
Can you buy brass knuckles online in California? ›
Metal knuckles or brass knuckles are prohibited weapons that are specifically covered under Penal Code 21810. This law states it is a crime to: Manufacture, trade, import, sell, share, give, or possess; This includes making them, accepting them as gifts, or purchasing them across state lines.
What states are brass knuckles illegal in? ›
However, other states have total bans on brass knuckles, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. And Michigan bans “bludgeon attachments” like brass knuckles.
What happens if you bring brass knuckles to school? ›
Penalties for carrying weapons on school grounds
This crime is considered a wobbler in California. This means, depending on the circ*mstances of the case and your criminal history, it could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Up to one year in county jail.
Can I have brass knuckles in my home in California? ›
Under California Penal Code 21810 PC, brass knuckles are prohibited, which means it's a crime to manufacture, sell, lend, or possess them. Brass knuckles are metal objects worn on a hand to increase the power of a punch. The force behind a punch from someone using brass knuckles can be dangerous and lethal.
Is it illegal to 3D print brass knuckles? ›
Brass knuckles bans often extend beyond just brass/metal to other materials too. Common wordings are “any device designed to fit over the fingers or knuckles”, or “any similar weapon”. So metal knuckles, plastic knuckles, 3D printed knuckles or DIY homemade knuckles are frequently illegal too.
How much damage do brass knuckles do? ›
The concentrated force can cause severe injuries such as broken bones, tissue damage, and damage to organs. Moreover, brass knuckles increase the likelihood of causing permanent injuries or even death, making them a lethal weapon of choice in violent confrontations.
Are Stabby cat keychains illegal? ›
Think about it. For instance, as cute as they might look, kitty cat keychains are classified as brass knuckles, a deadly weapon that's illegal in California.
Can you use brass knuckles for self-defense? ›
The knuckles are not always necessarily made of brass (they can be made of plastic or another metal), but they are generally still referred to as brass knuckles. Having brass knuckles, even if for self-defense, is illegal, much to the shock of most people.
Carabiners are generally perceived as benign, unlike brass knuckles or similar devices, which may face legal restrictions. This makes them a discreet yet effective option for defense. For optimal use, choose a carabiner that comfortably fits all fingers and has a locking collar to prevent accidental opening.
What weapons are legal in California? ›
Guns: California has a stringent and complex set of laws around firearms. Generally speaking, certain types of firearms like handguns, rifles, and shotguns are legal, but you must be of lawful age, pass a background check, have no felony convictions, and pass a safety course to own one.
Can you carry brass knuckles in Florida? ›
Brass knuckles are legal in Florida, but only if you carry them openly. If you conceal brass knuckles, you could face legal consequences. In practice, however, this makes brass knuckles effectively illegal in many cases.
Is a single brass knuckle illegal? ›
California. California imposes a strict ban on all kinds of brass knuckles, whether they are metal or plastic. This includes selling, buying, using, carrying, repairing, lending, and manufacturing.
Why are brass knuckles illegal but not guns? ›
Brass knuckles are considered illegal weapons due to their potential for causing serious harm. These small but powerful weapons can break bones, cause concussions, and even kill when used in an attack.
Are switchblades illegal in California? ›
Under California Penal Code 21510, possession of a switchblade is a misdemeanor and its penalties are up to 6 months in county jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Penalties may vary for the possession of other restricted knives.
Are nunchucks illegal in California? ›
It is illegal to possess nunchucks in California under most circ*mstances because of the dangerous nature of these weapons.
