is Loitering with a knife illegal ?

[CalBearTactical]

I heard that you could be arrested for having a knife while "Loitering", is it true?

 

[Chipped Karambit]

dont quote me on this but if your arrested for one thing and you have a knife, in my state its up to the cop if he wants to throw in with a knife or not

 

[Moonberrys]

Armed loitering. Lol

 

[jwblack911]

Armed loitering. Lol

when loitering with a skateboard is that attempted loitering with a blunt force weapon ?

 

[glistam]

It depends on the jurisdiction. In most jurisdictions, this is considered a separate issue: Loitering is one charge, carrying of a concealed weapon is the other. The second of course hinges entirely on whether the knife is considered a weapon at all under local law. If the knife is otherwise legal to be carried, there is no issue and loitering is the only charge.

However, there are some specific city ordinances I have come across that specify that possession of certain sizes or types of knife while loitering is it's own charge. In San Francisco for example it says the following:

(a) As used in this Section, but in no wise limited thereto, "dangerous or deadly weapon" shall mean: any knife with a blade three inches or more in length; any spring-blade, switch-blade, or snap-blade or other similar type knife; any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device; any ice pick, or similar sharp, stabbing tool; any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle; any cutting, stabbing, bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, while carrying concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon, to loaf or loiter upon any public street, sidewalk, or alley, or to wander about from place to place, with no lawful business thereby to perform, or to hide, lurk, loiter upon or about the premises of another.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person or who has in his immediate physical possession any dangerous or deadly weapon to engage in any fight or to participate in any other rough or disorderly conduct upon any public place or way or upon the premises of another.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon to loiter about any place where intoxicating liquors are sold or any other place of public resort.