Is it carrying if it's in your bag?

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May 23, 2003
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Just curious, if you have a knife on you, is it considered carrying or transporting? Or does it not make a difference?
 
Question is not clear to me - do you mean that if you have a knife in a bag that you're carrying is it considered carrying? Or transporting?

Perhaps you could clarify a bit.

If, for example, you have a knife that's "illegal" to carry in a certain jurisdiction, and you are carrying it in a bag, you can still get nailed for it.
Generally speaking.

There are certain exceptions and definitions depending on the particular jurisdiction.
 
in california, and la in particular, the language is not so clear.

i would say in a backpack is probably legal, barring any other restrictions.

a woman carrying in a purse? not legal, since most women carry most of their stuff in a purse. again, barring any other restrictions.

but a little clarity on your question would help.
 
Garageboy, didn't you just get out of trouble?? lol....Since you are in Brooklyn NYC the NY law is worded based on possession, and that means you have control over the item reguardless of where it is or how it is carried. If it is in a locked brief case that you have the keys to then in NY you are in possession of the item. Transport here would lead one to assume that it is not readily accessable to the owner and that there is a point of departure and a final destination. The weapon laws only deal with these terms if the weapons are merchanise.....
 
Although the term differs from location to location, most areas recognize something called "constructive possession" of a weapon.

This is a concept that covers a lot of technicalities. Carrying a knife in a bag--if you can quickly stick your hand into the bag and get it--means you're carrying a concealed blade.

Ditto for carrying a blade in a car, within easy reach.

Not all areas recognize this, of course, and some apply it only to firearms. But ultimately, law enforcement will consider your intent. If it's in your bag because you threw it there and forgot about it, well... maybe. If it's in your bag because you want to hide a weapon there, then you're possessing.
 
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