While there are no legal restrictions on pepper spray or mace, you may encounter restrictions in some places. It`s one thing to carry pepper spray if you go to work or take public transportation every day, but some places may not allow you to have it. For example, pepper spray in a school or government office could get you in trouble. However, in these scenarios, you will not necessarily be prosecuted, but you will be asked to leave the country. While there are no laws specifically criminalizing mace and pepper spray, problems can arise if you are prohibited from possessing firearms or other weapons. For example, people with certain crimes on their criminal records, people on probation or probation, or people with protection orders in cases of domestic violence could be barred from owning weapons. Our criminal defense attorneys in Bucks County can help you determine whether wearing pepper spray or pepper mace would cause legal problems. The original formulation consisted of 1% chloroacetophenone (CN) in a solvent of 2-butanol, propylene glycol, cyclohexene and dipropylene glycol methyl ether. [6] Chemical Mace was originally developed in the 1960s by Allan Lee Litman and his wife Doris Litman after one of Doris` colleagues was stolen in Pittsburgh. [7] In 1987, Chemical Mace was sold to Smith & Wesson and manufactured by the Lake Erie Chemical Division. Smith & Wesson then transferred ownership to Jon E.
Goodrich along with the rest of the chemical division of what is now Mace Security International, which also holds federal trademark registrations for the term «Mace.» [8] [9] [10] [11] In Pennsylvania, there are no restrictions on the legal use of pepper spray. Therefore, pepper spray is legal, but there are a few rules you need to follow. You don`t need a permit to carry pepper spray, and as long as you`re over 18, you can carry pepper spray on yourself. Pepper spray is considered a very effective way to repel someone who attacks you when any form of violence is needed. Pepper spray should only be used as a form of self-defense. Otherwise, you could be arrested and fined if you cause unnecessary harm to another person. Pepper spray may be legal in Pennsylvania, but if you`re traveling to another state, you`ll need to check their pepper spray regulations as it may be different from Pennsylvania, generally pepper spray is legal to buy, carry, use, and ship to Pennsylvania. Historically, «chemical mace» was the development of an irritant with the active ingredient called phenacyl chloride (CN) to neutralize others, while the term «mace» is a trademark term for use on self-defense sprays. [12] Although the design has been expanded, the original chemical mass formula, which used only CN, has since been discontinued.
Due to the potentially toxic nature of CN and the generally superior incapacitating properties of oleoresin capsicum (OC) pepper spray in most situations, early NCs were largely replaced by OC formulas used by police, although Mace Security International still maintains a popular «triple action» formula that combines NC, OC and a UV marker dye. [1] If you used pepper spray or mace as a means of self-defense, but now face criminal prosecution, our defense attorneys in Philadelphia can help. Our team is available for free case evaluations. Call Lloyd Long`s law firm at (215) 302-0171 as soon as possible. The strength of the pepper spray you are allowed to use differs from state to state. Most pepper sprays contain between 2% and 10% capsaicin. There are other pepper sprays that contain tear gas. In some states, tear gas in pepper spray is illegal. Therefore, when buying pepper spray, you need to know your state`s rules and laws regarding pepper spray. I am a security guard and I work mainly in high schools where I do sporting events.
Can I legally carry a pepper spray gun to protect myself? If you have used pepper spray in a fight in which you have voluntarily participated, you may not be able to invoke self-defense. Also, if you are the abuser who provoked a fight or altercation, you may not be able to claim self-defense. Contact our criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia for help with your pepper spray or sledgehammer charges. Using pepper spray or mace to hurt someone else could result in an assault charge. After 18 Pa.C.S. Section 2701, simple bodily harm can be charged with intentional, deliberate or reckless causation or attempted bodily harm. This crime is often charged with first, second or third degree offences, depending on the circumstances. Something like pepper spray or mace could easily be used to cause bodily harm. If the victim is someone such as a police officer, probation officer or firefighter, you could be charged with aggravated assault under 18 Pa.C.S. be charged.
Section 2702, which is a very serious crime. Possession of pepper spray is legal in Pennsylvania, but should only be used as a form of self-defense.