Whatever kind of knife that you have such as Swiss army pocket knife, a Bowie hunting knife, a stiletto switchblade, a butterfly knife, or a dagger, knife owners are usually subjected to federal, state, and local laws.

Even though knives are famous as collectibles, as tools, and as self-defense weapon, bringing a knife or having some types of knives may be unlawful under the state or federal laws.

In media, knives are usually shown as weapons by villains. Knives also have gone through a history of being used by gang violence. As a consequence, many people glamorize knives and fail to acknowledge its risks for danger.

State Knife Laws

Are knives legal? The States in US have varying opinions and views regarding this question.

Most of the states consider short-blade pocket knives as lawful or legal. Basically, the longer the blade of the knife, such as more than 2 or 3 inches, the more the state will consider the knife unlawful or subjected to limitations.

Few examples are as follows:

• California
  • Bringing a knife with 2 or more inches blade, keeping it in the vehicle, or in public area is an offense.
  • Switchblades are unlawful.
• New York
  • The New York City’s knife length limitation against the blades with 4 or more inches long, it also does not limit knife blade lengths
  • The state prohibits a host of types of knife including switchblades and swords.
  • Young individuals below 16 years old cannot possess “any dangerous knife” and if they are sentenced, they might be deemed juvenile delinquent.
  • One state law states that owning a banned knife produces a presumption that the individual aims at using it against somebody else in illegal manner.
• Texas
  • Particular kinds of knives including switchblades, spring-loaded knives, spears, swords, and daggers are prohibited.
  • Knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches.

If you use or collect knives, it is essential to know and adhere to the state’s knife laws to prevent any criminal charges and legal trouble.

Federal Knife Laws

Even though laws about knives are usually a state concern, federal law also limits the sale and transportation of the knives.

For instance, the Transportation Security administration or TSA prohibits travelers from bringing
knives, swords, razor blades, and utility blades into an airplane. Domestic air travelers are permitted to pack knives in checked baggage, as long as the knife is safely covered and wrapped. The international travelers may be subjected to varying foreign policies and regulations about the transportation of knives into and out of countries.

US federal law prohibits the shipment of automatic and self-opening knives such as switchblades across the states.

The Dangers of Knives

The injuries and harm from the knives can really be severe and fatal. A knife is made to cut but it can cause deep lacerations and wounds. External and internal bleeding and punctured organs and muscle tissues are just some of the common injuries related with knives.

Legal Rights and Obtaining Legal Assistance

There are state and federal laws and policies regarding knives that people must know, understand, and adhere to.

If you are charged with possessing a knife, or being the victim of a knife-associated crime, you must contact an experienced lawyer right away to discuss and protect your legal options and rights. Here are some of the legal factors that the attorney can deliberate with you:

• What being charged with violating your state’s knife law means such as the elements of the crime, probable defenses, and the duration of any criminal sentence.
• The kinds of knives that your state allows, and any limitations on the kind of knife you can have and/or bring.
• If you or any of your family members are victims of knife violence, how you can recover the damages from the assailants and their employers.

We can assist you on:

• Learning how a criminal defense attorney may help you if you are charged with unlawful possession or use of a knife;
• If you or any of your family members are injured with the use of a knife or knives;
• Finding an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Some Knives and Knife Safety Tips:

• Adhere to your state knife’s laws and whether a knife or knives are banned, you must still use thorough care in handling and keeping them.
• If you are outside your home state, you must know the applicable local and state policies about the possession, ownership and transportation of the knives.
• Get safety training before using a knife.
• Never allow children to play with or near knives.
• Avoid using a knife while you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Since knives have the risks of hurting others, and if somebody is hurt, or property is destroyed while you are using a knife, you can be held responsible in a civil lawsuit and/or be charged in a criminal court.