New York legal term
Deadly weapon in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Deadly weapon” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Deadly weapon” mean in New York criminal law?
"Deadly weapon" means any loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious physical injury, may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, dagger, billy, blackjack, plastic knuckles, or metal knuckles. 13. (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Assault in the first degree
- Assault in the third degree
- Burglary in the first degree
- Burglary in the second degree
- Criminal contempt in the first degree
- Criminal trespass in the first degree
- Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree
- Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree
- Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree
- Menacing a police officer or peace officer
- Menacing in the second degree
- Murder in the second degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.