Knife legality in Los Angeles, CA?

[ipwn3r456]

I know this topic (or anything similar) has been posted here for many times, but I can't still find an answer to my question.

So I did some research about knife laws in Los Angeles, so I know that there's a 3 inch limit in LA, looking at this: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16274

On 13.62.020, it saids "It is unlawful for any person to carry on his person, in plain view, any knife or dagger."

So what exactly is "plain view" mean in the legal definition? Shown to the public? Or what?

Other then that, I am here mainly to ask two questions, 1. Is it legal to bring a folding knife over 3 inches concealed? 2. If it is, if I were using that knife for self-defense (I don't go to fights, just want to ask), would that be legal?

 

[glistam]

1. Yes, the law exclusively applies to knives in plain view. Concealed knives are still legal, so long as they are otherwise legal under state law (that is to say, it is a folder or an assisted opener of any size). Plain view is not defined but should be pretty obvious: If a cop sees it and knows it's a knife, it's in plain view. It should be noted that this 3 inch limit has exceptions:

The foregoing restrictions shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment for use in a lawful occupation or for the purpose of lawful recreation, or where the carrying of a knife or dagger is a recognized religious practice.

Examples of this exception are Teppanyaki chefs who carry big cooking knives holstered and do flashy knife work in full view of the public, for people fishing, camping or barbequing outdoors, and for members of the Sikh faith who carry a kirpan.

2. If a knife were used in self-defense, the last thing on anyone's mind will be of it counts as open carry. The matter at hand would be whether or not you committed assault with a deadly weapon or are not guilty by reason of self-preservation. Even a threat display that causes a person to flee without any exchange of blows or force still counts as assault. It's going to come down to evidence available to the police, who weren't there when it happened and often have to weigh your word against the "baddie." Keep in mind that said baddie might lie his head off trying to make you out to be the sole aggressor. Also keep in mind the force continuum: A knife is considered deadly force, so it may only be used, against a reasonable threat to life and limb, not merely because some drunk wants to fight you.

 

[ipwn3r456]

Ah, okay. Thanks for the information. Are you sure they can be concealed? I am looking for the crkt m16 knives which are like 3-4 inches long.

 

[killgar]

Ah, okay. Thanks for the information. Are you sure they can be concealed? I am looking for the crkt m16 knives which are like 3-4 inches long.

Glistam is a reliable source of information regarding knife laws. He is correct, it is perfectly legal to carry concealed any size of manual folder in Los Angeles. How do I know? I live in San Diego and travel to LA sometimes and I always consult with my criminal defense attorney on the knife laws of anyplace I am going outside of San Diego.

Of course, if the pocket clip is visible or if the folder is being carried in a belt sheath, a cop might consider that to be "open carry". So I (and my attorney) would advise that if you are carrying a folder with a blade over 3 inches long, that you carry it "deep pocket" and not use the clip or a sheath. But as Glistam pointed out, if you are carrying the knife for legitimate reasons (work, fishing, camping, etc, and can PROVE IT) then the length limit doesn't apply to you.

 

[ipwn3r456]

Thanks killgar and Glistam. Now I am assured that I can legality bring a folding knife over 3 inches (concealed).