AliasNeo07
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§ 22-4504. Carrying concealed weapons; possession of weapons during commission of crime of violence; penalty.
(a) No person shall carry within the District of Columbia either openly or concealed on or about their person, a pistol, without a license issued pursuant to District of Columbia law, or any deadly or dangerous weapon capable of being so concealed. Whoever violates this section shall be punished as provided in § 22-4515, except that:
(1) A person who violates this section by carrying a pistol, without a license issued pursuant to District of Columbia law, or any deadly or dangerous weapon, in a place other than the person's dwelling place, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both;
Not sure what the DC courts say what the definition of "weapon" is like they have in MD. For instance, while it seems so broad as to include anything which can cause harm that could be concealed, I would think the DC courts would not consider the tools a construction worker has on him as being a criminal item.
fvck DC, I work 14th and I and I carry a knife all the time, everytime Im in DC, Im not a criminal so I dont worry about a cop stopping me
I understand, but the 3" law and the "any dangerous weapon" law are two different laws and are not necessarily tied to each other.The 3" rule is listed under Title 22-4514(b)
This portion stipulates a "specific intent" requirement. Therefore, as long as one were carrying it for self defense only, you would in theory be OK. To quote - " No person shall within the District of Columbia possess, with intent to use unlawfully against another, an imitation pistol, or a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or other dangerous weapon"
Essentially, the key here is specific intent to commit a crime. Free of that, and according to the code, you should be clear. However, "other dangerous weapon" could give an overzealous officer some discretion if they felt they needed to use it.
"No person shall within the District of Columbia possess, with intent to use unlawfully against another, an imitation pistol, or a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or other dangerous weapon"
Where is the statute hat covers "spring assist" and how is DC law any different than federal law regarding spring assisted oponing? If the knife has a "bias against opening"FYI......
The 3" or less doesn't apply in DC anymore so it can be whatever length. Any switchblade or spring assisted knife more then likely will get you arrested right on the spot. The issue with most other knives is intent. Saying you are carrying it for protection is the wrong answer to give any police officer in DC.
Federal Buildings will all have their own rules. Some won't allow any at all and some will follow the 3" or 4" rule
In general though the 3" rule isn't a violation any longer. The expandable baton may get you arrested also just like brass knuckles,slapjack or nun-chucks.
Hope this answers your question
Edit. I looked at a pic of the leek kershaw. It's not spring assisted so you are good to go
Where is the statute hat covers "spring assist" and how is DC law any different than federal law regarding spring assisted oponing? If the knife has a "bias against opening"
then it isn't classed with "automatic" or switchblade knives. I need to see the actual wording.
Update: After doing yet more research this site states things pretty clearly. The only kind of knife that you can't own or carry is what is commonly called a "switchblade." Assisted openers like Speedsafe knives are not switchblades. Balisongs, in fact, are not switchblades, nor are fixed blade knives that are illegal in other states. As long as the knife you carry has utility other than killing people it's legal to carry, no restrictions on size or blade action. You can't carry swords, because they're not really made for cutting steak or slicing veggies.
You *will not* be immediately arrested if found carrying a Kershaw Blur with speedsafe. Strictly speaking, you wouldn't be arrested if you carried a 3.75 in bladed Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0561 even though it's classed as "tactical" because it can be used for everything from cooking meals to cutting firewood, or in rescue operations, or just chopping up cardboard boxes or old rope.
Going into Federal buldings could be much different, though. They may ban knives outright, or look upon anything bigger that 2.5 inches as enormous. But going to the office I'll just wear anything I have from a 2-inch to a 4-inch blade.... with discretion, of course.
Where is the statute hat covers "spring assist" and how is DC law any different than federal law regarding spring assisted oponing? If the knife has a "bias against opening"
then it isn't classed with "automatic" or switchblade knives. I need to see the actual wording.
Update: After doing yet more research this site states things pretty clearly. The only kind of knife that you can't own or carry is what is commonly called a "switchblade." Assisted openers like Speedsafe knives are not switchblades. Balisongs, in fact, are not switchblades, nor are fixed blade knives that are illegal in other states. As long as the knife you carry has utility other than killing people it's legal to carry, no restrictions on size or blade action. You can't carry swords, because they're not really made for cutting steak or slicing veggies.
You *will not* be immediately arrested if found carrying a Kershaw Blur with speedsafe. Strictly speaking, you wouldn't be arrested if you carried a 3.75 in bladed Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0561 even though it's classed as "tactical" because it can be used for everything from cooking meals to cutting firewood, or in rescue operations, or just chopping up cardboard boxes or old rope.
Going into Federal buldings could be much different, though. They may ban knives outright, or look upon anything bigger that 2.5 inches as enormous. But going to the office I'll just wear anything I have from a 2-inch to a 4-inch blade.... with discretion, of course.