Maryland and minors

F

Franz Bernstein

Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
6
Hello, I've got a question. Is it legal in the state of Maryland for a minor to carry a knife? The law doesn't seem to mention it.
 
(c) Prohibited.-
(3) (i) This paragraph applies in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Caroline County, Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, St. Mary's County, Talbot County, Washington County, and Worcester County.
(ii) A minor may not carry a dangerous weapon between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise, whether concealed or not, except while:
1. on a bona fide hunting trip; or
2. engaged in or on the way to or returning from a bona fide trap shoot, sport shooting event, or any organized civic or military activity.

(d) Penalties.-
(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2) For a person convicted under subsection (c)(1) or (2) of this section, if it appears from the evidence that the weapon was carried, concealed or openly, with the deliberate purpose of injuring or killing another, the court shall impose the highest sentence of imprisonment prescribed.

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 36; 2002, ch. 26, § 2; ch. 213, § 6; ch. 571, § 1; 2003, ch. 17; ch. 21, § 1.]

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from Bernard Levine's Knife Laws site.

There are other sites too, if you really want to know you should investigate further.

For example, who is a "minor" in Maryland? (Different states have different ages, as far as I know.)
 
so I understand that to mean....it is illegal only at night? (between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour after sunrise)


I have investigated quite a bit. I have emailed the police...they responded but there was some confusion so I sent another email. I hope to get a response tomorrow.
 
i am curious about knife laws in MD also, not a minor but wondering about a balisong. does anyone know?
in case no one knows or answers franz can you give me the email address for the person you are talking to?
 
Dan, I'm not sure about the balisong.

When it comes to my questions, I contacted a few people and there was some confusion...but Kenneth Shapiro ended up responding to me....he is the Assistant City Attorney I believe...in Frederick.
His email address is:

KShapiro@fredco-md.net

For anyone who might be interested in his responses...He basically said that Frederick City does not have any knife laws that are different from those of Frederick state. He also stated that the laws apply equally to minors and adults. So I'm assuming that means minors can carry.
 
dan00780 said:
i am curious about knife laws in MD also, not a minor but wondering about a balisong. does anyone know?
in case no one knows or answers franz can you give me the email address for the person you are talking to?
Click to expand...

The only mention of anything similar to balisongs is a case of gravity knives being classified as dangerous weapons in the 60's. Unfortunately, I can't find a definition of what the state considers a gravity knife (some states realize that balisongs aren't actually gravity knives since you have to manipulate them to get them to open instead of hang). Maryland's vagueness about this subject is hardly surprising given the state's tendencies of course . . .

As for the original poster's question about minors, technically manual folders aren't considered dangerous weapons by the state. Therefore, the restriction on hours in certain counties only really applies to fixed blades to my knowledge, otherwise boy scout camping trips would be tough to do. The important thing to add is that public schools have their own rules for students in addition to state laws of course.

In any case, I'd talk to a lawyer, not the police. Police aren't exactly always knowledgable about the law (I remember a Maryland officer claiming that it was illegal to have a parking permit hung from the rearview mirrow . . .).
 
A gravity knife as said by MD, is a knife that can be opened with the force of gravity (a really lose screw), or a knife that can opened by centirifgucial force (although this doesn't really exist, this can be explained by Newton's Laws of Motion. It wants to continue on the tangent line. Also centepial is confused with centrifigual force, centipal force is a were foces objects inward) Abyway if you can flick it open with wrist action, your on a thin line. Maybe the officer won't really care, or maybe he needs to fill his quota for the month. Just tighten your screws enough and your fine. No blade lengths. On a side note, i could by a knife at Wal-Mat at 16 with no problems.
 
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