Is a dry ice bomb made without any intent to harm anyone or anything legal?
Asked by
justn (
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)
May 21st, 2009
PC12303.3. Every person who possesses, explodes, ignites, or attempts to explode or ignite any destructive device or any explosive with intent to injure, intimidate, or terrify any person, or with intent to wrongfully injure or destroy any property, is guilty of a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of three, five, or seven years.
So, a friend and I are wanting to make dry ice depth charges and let them go off in my pool. We live in the great state </sarcasm> of California. From what I can tell by interpretation of this CA law we can’t be guilty of anything, because we have no intent to hurt or scare anyone or anything. Am I right in my interpretation?
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20 Answers
Yes, I think you are correct. (And I worked for a lawyer for quite a while, reading and interpreting these kinds of things, for what it’s worth).
Yeah, but try proving your intent if you get caught.
It should be obvious by the fact that no one will be hurt, and no property will be destroyed…I hope…
No, no… I’m just thinking if they get caught with the bombs (or bomb making materials) before they use them in the pool.
@augustlan: In America, a person is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Of course there could be some patriot act crap against owning dry ice now, I wouldn’t even be surprised. I’m just reading this particular statute that’s in front of us.
@augustlan the bomb making materials for dry ice bombs is an empty soda bottle LOL
@La_chica_gomela I agree with you 100%, but we’ve seen some pretty crazy reactions since the days of 9/11.
@uberbatman Ha! Shows how much I know about bombs! In that case, I can’t see a problem.
Heres how to do one as instructed by the dorkiest kid ever lol
Edit: Wow thats pretty sweet.
What is a dry ice bomb? I know what dry ice is and I know what a carbide pool bomb is. Is it similar? How does it work?
@Girl_Powered: No, it’s not similar at all. There are no noxious gasses or anything lingering. What it is and how it works are really simple if you just watch the video uberbatman linked right before your post. Basically shove some dry ice and water into an empty soda bottle, and close the cap. You’re done.
@uberbatman What are you talking about that kid is so cool.
@everyone else. Does anyone do Works Bombs any more?
I fail to see how a dry ice bomb would be a lethal weapon. Not the first choice of a terrorist.
I think the worst you’d be charged with is disturbing the peace. No law against just being stupid.
Oh, I so really really want to do that! Sometimes I get dry ice and mix it with soapy water to make bubbles (good entertainment for the kids) but they’d love to explode a water bottle! Thanks @uberbatman !
You’re probably not guilty according to that law, if you can prove your intent.
However, if someone does get hurt, you won’t be able to avoid being guilty according to some law.
If you or your friend are hurt in the comission of an illegal act then you are both on the hook. If you damage public property you are also liable.
Did you know there’s no law against making/using thermite? ..... You can melt a hole in an engine block or solid concrete with that stuff…... just saying…
Thanks for the input everyone.
@oratio: No one’s saying it’s a “lethal weapon”. The phrasing in the statute @justn provided says, “any destructive device or any explosive” which a dry ice bomb is, since the whole point is for it to explode….
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