CCW Law regarding Training weapons/Replica weapons

J

justapix

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
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Okay I am looking for some help from the people on this forum who are more knowledgeable then I am.

Long story short I got pulled over by a police officer and had my car searched and they found a tanto in my car. (It got jammed up under the drivers’ seat when I moved and forgot that it was there).

The tanto is a replica that my brother bought for me when I was practicing Aikido; the Blade literally has no edge to it. It is about as sharp as a practice wooden Tanto. (hell I couldn't even cut an apple with it if I wanted to)

But since the tanto was found under the drivers’ seat I am getting charged with a felony CCW.

I am trying to get as much information as I can on the subject regarding training weapons and how that factors into things of this nature, because I know the my Lawyer is not going to know all that much about this aspect of the law.

I live in Michigan, and was wondering if anyone could help me out or point me in the direction of where I could find some good information about regarding training weapons and CCW's.

Also it is my understanding that owning a sword is illegal in Japan, and only collectors are allowed to own one with a special permit. If someone could please point me in a direction where I can verify this and maybe be see how the Law is worded. I can show that even the Japanese don't see this as a weapon.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated

thank you

Justapix
 
Let me suggest you contact Bernard Levine at http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

He is a well-qualified expert witness on blades and the law, and can advise you appropriately. He charges a small fee to answer a question about the law in a state and is available as an expert witness if you need that service.

He can (for a fee) advise your attorney on how to approach this issue legally.

Good luck and best wishes,
Scot Giles
 
Just an observation. A knife by definition has to have a cutting edge, or at least be able to pierce. A dull knife is still a knife, but a true trainer or drone which never had a sharpened edge and has a blunt tip, and can't be sharpened, is arguably a facsimile of a knife, not a knife.

Best regards,

Argyll
 
I feel your pain. Good legal advice and subject matters expert will help. Remember in many states, not sure about michigan, its not a weapon unless intended to be used as such or carried or kept for that purpose. Did he have reasonable cause for searching your car in the first place?
 
I'm not sure if saying that "It's not a weapon over in ______________" would be the best idea. The thing is, you are charged with violating MI law, not Japanese law.
 
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