New York legal term
Dangerous instrument in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Dangerous instrument” 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 “Dangerous instrument” mean in New York criminal law?
"Dangerous instrument" means any instrument, article or substance, including a "vehicle" as that term is defined in this section, which, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury. 14. (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Assault in the first degree
- Assault in the second degree
- Assault in the third degree
- Burglary in the first degree
- Burglary in the second degree
- Criminal contempt in the first degree
- Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree
- Menacing in the second degree
- Offensive exhibition
- Predatory sexual assault
- Robbery in the first degree
- Stalking in the second degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.