Former military in CA with autos

[halfflash]

Hi all,
I've been out of the Army for a while, where I picked up a cheap OTF knife that I've kind of forgotten about. I just found and was wondering about the legality of carrying it in California.
Since I bought it legally as a Soldier (out of state also), but am technically no longer deemed trust worth to buy them, where do I stand?
Could I tell a LEO that I got it when I was a Soldier? I'm sure that it's possible I'd be alright and not have it confiscated.
Thanks guys

 

[Jegred2]

I doubt it, call your local police department and ask them. Especially in CA, they don't like anyone having knives or guns there, except for criminals.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

You'd be more likely to get the correct answer from a criminal defense attorney than the police or a the local district atty. Most of them don't know knife laws very well, and even if they do, will still tell you "no, not legal" even if it is.

 

[killgar]

Hi all,
I've been out of the Army for a while, where I picked up a cheap OTF knife that I've kind of forgotten about. I just found and was wondering about the legality of carrying it in California.
Since I bought it legally as a Soldier (out of state also), but am technically no longer deemed trust worth to buy them, where do I stand?
Could I tell a LEO that I got it when I was a Soldier? I'm sure that it's possible I'd be alright and not have it confiscated.
Thanks guys

When dealing with the criminal justice system, I advise that you err on the side of caution. It is illegal to carry an auto knife in California if the blade is 2" or longer. Even if you were still active military, that would not give you an exemption from the law when traveling off-base. A conviction for carrying an illegal knife can get you sent to jail, get you put on probation (and while on probation you would lose several rights, like your right to possess guns and knives), cost you thousands of dollars in court fines, probation fees, and lawyer fees, and generally screw up your life. I don't think it's worth it just to carry an auto.

Leave the knife at home (you can have autos at home if the blade is 2" or longer). Take it from someone who has been through the criminal justice system here in California- NEVER assume that the cops, or prosecutors, will give you a break or go easy on you if you break the law. And don't for one second believe that being former military will score you any points. During my time in jail here in CA I met several former, and current, military personnel, some of them combat veterans. Despite their military backgrounds, they were arrested, charged, incarcerated, and treated just like every other inmate, no special treatment or consideration.

And just so you know, it is also illegal to have an auto in your car if the blade is 2" or longer.

And I completely agree with everything zzyzzogeton said above.