New York legal term
Biological weapon in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Biological 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 “Biological weapon” mean in New York criminal law?
"Biological weapon" means any biological agent, toxin, vector, or delivery system or combination thereof. 10. (N.Y. Penal Law § 490.05)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the first degree
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the second degree
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the third degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the first degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the second degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the third degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.