Governor Paterson Signs Assemblyman Mike Spano Bill Into Law
New Law Classifies Plastic Knuckles as a Deadly Weapon
ALBANY, NY -- Assemblyman Mike Spano (D, C, I-Yonkers) announced that Governor David A. Paterson signed legislation he authored into law which amends the Penal Law to include plastic knuckles as a deadly weapon.
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The issue of plastic knuckles was brought to Assemblyman Spano’s attention after a video surfaced on the internet which showed just how devastating plastic knuckles can be. The video shows the destruction that this weapon produces and how easy it is to get them through security checkpoints. Plastic knuckles, just like brass knuckles, slide over one’s fingers to create a harder striking surface on the fist.
“Plastic knuckles are an undetectable, deadly weapon which people are using, because they are not metal and can easily get through security checkpoints,” Assemblyman Spano said. “These plastic knuckles are being sold for as little as $5 on the internet and anyone can purchase them. This was a common sense piece of legislation which will protect the residents of this state.”
This legislation amends the Penal Law to treat plastic knuckles like metal or brass knuckles. This measure passed the Assembly at the end of session and was sponsored in the New York State Senate by Senator Andrew Lanza. Currently, it is illegal to possess brass knuckles, and with Governor Paterson signing this important legislation into law, it is now a crime to possess plastic knuckles in New York State.
Simply possessing one of these deadly weapons would now be a misdemeanor with the possibility of spending up to one year in jail upon conviction. Displaying, or possessing and threatening to use plastic knuckles while stalking someone will now be punishable as a class E felony with the possibility of spending of up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.
“This law proactively addresses the innovations of potential criminals. Plastic knuckles are the modern incarnation of brass knuckles and pose a threat to our safety because they are undetectable. In a post 9-11 world we must have the necessary tools to prosecute those attempting to bring weapons, metal or plastic, into our airports, governmental buildings or schools,” stated Senator Lanza
“After seeing the video on the internet that show the severity of plastic knuckles I knew that something had to be done before someone was seriously injured or killed,” Assemblyman Spano added. “Since they are plastic, these weapons will go unnoticed by metal detectors in places such as schools, government buildings, and airports. This new law will give law enforcement officials the ability to charge anyone found in possession of these dangerous weapons.”
More fear brought to you by a republican....oooooops democrat.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 16:07
Yonkers banned plastic knuckles in schools and on school property a while back. Section 74-9 of the Yonkers City Code prohibits a long list of weapons, including things like plastic knives and plastic knuckles.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 17:03
The entire state is going broke, and this is what Mike Spano gets done. What a waste. He just listens and goes "Yup" whenever Shelly Silver tells him to do something.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 17:56
He does more that Andrea Stewart Cousins. The only time that Cousines stood up was when kids cracked her window with stones.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 18:05
Woooo!!! I'll sleep well tonight.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 19:00
This is a great piece of legislation! Long overdue. Thanks Mikey.
This is sure to bring down the price of gasoline and home heating oil.
It is also likely to reduce our property taxes and fix our broken school systems.
You are mindless, Mikey. The only thing you care about is a photo op and a press release.
This should not have even made the news, even on the Yonkers Tribune.
Good God, this fellow wants to be the Mayor and CEO of this $900 Million City of ours.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 20:03
Who the heck cares about this when we are face with property taxes rising along with the price of gas. What do you think Mike Spano that we are a bunch of idoits. Is this the best you can do??? Time for you to hang it up!
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 20:15
EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND MIKE SPANO IS GETTING SOMETHING DONE. MORE THAN I CAN SAY FOR OTHER POLITICIANS
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 22:04
Mike Spano gets NOTHING done. Nothing that is of any value, anyway.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 22:48
i think he gets a lot done also. this is good legislation.. good job assemblyman.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 at 23:00
MIKE SPANO, YONKERS NEXT MAYOR
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 00:09
Thanks Mike, keep up the good work!
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 01:18
On 7/7/08 at 12:10 a.m. a 20 year old male local resident was shot while in the courtyard of 85 Riverdale Avenue. The victim was shot in the left hip area. He was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition. Responding Officers saw two men running away from the crime scene, a description of the men was broadcast. Officers located the two men in front of 25 Prospect Street. One male was in possession of a defaced illegal handgun.
Daiquan Henderson, 18 year old male of 727 Schroeder Street was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree. He will be arraigned in Yonkers City Court on 7/7/08.
The Detective Division is investigating this incident. At this point it is unknown if the gun recovered on Henderson is the gun that shot the victim. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call 377-7724.
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On 7/6/08 at 3:40 a.m. an 18 year old male local resident was shot while in front of 144 Livingston Avenue. The victim was shot in the right hand twice and the right buttocks once. The suspect, male in his 20’s 5’-6” 140 pounds black hair wearing black pants, shirt and black mask on his face, fled on foot towards Post Street. The victim responded to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition. The Detective Division is investigating this incident. Anyone with information can call 377-7724.
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On 7/4/08 at 9:40 p.m. a 38 year old local resident was shot in the right side of his chest while in front of 82 Hamilton Avenue. The unknown suspect (male wearing a light blue and white shirt) fled on foot Southbound on Hamilton Avenue then Westbound onto Post Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition and is awaiting surgery. The Detective Division is investigating this incident. Anyone with information can call 377-7724.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 01:30
These things are already a misdemeanor under the Yonkers City Code.
If these weapons are such a terrible problem, how come nobody's ever been charged with having one?
It's not like you see a report of an arrest for PLASTIC knuckles every day in the Journal News.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 07:55
Yonkers is still a shit hole. Get out while you can. Next years property tax increase is going to be 25%
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 09:47
When was the last time Cousin brought in money for the City . Spano last year got the City $80 million. Great job for everyone who voted for Cousin. She has done a great job for the City!
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 10:31
Mayor Spano... has a nice ring to it!
Yonkers Voter
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 10:35
Guess Mikey won't be able to drag his knuckles on the ground anymore without them getting cut.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 10:42
But he is a good tree planter. All the dogs love him.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 11:21
I am still chuckling about Cousins' crusade against kids throwing rocks... She finally showed some passion for her job. Unfortunately, her momentum didn't last long.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 11:52
Plastic knuckles? Mikey thought he was outlawing pigs knuckles.
This is just one more thing he butchered.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 12:42
SpaNO for Mayor !!!
Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha !
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 13:46
Spano and Silver perfect together. Working hard planting trees baning plastic knuckles.
Posted by: | July 11, 2008 at 19:47
You could probably make these out of wood, glass or several other substances.
Here's a great career move- he can ban one new type of 'knuckles' each year for the next 5 or 10 years.
It'll give him something to do.
It's really important to keep busy.
Really.
Posted by: | July 12, 2008 at 11:33
Mike Spano is getting to be a better democrate everyday with legislation such as this he is right up there with Sheldon Silver. Never mind that people are cash strapped trying to pay New York taxes. What's Mikey going for the title of most liberal democrate.
Posted by: | July 12, 2008 at 11:56