Need Help With Arizona and Illinois Knife Laws

J

JMB

Joined
May 28, 1999
Messages
72
I searched Bernard Levines database, but he has no information on the knife laws in AZ. In IL, it seems up to 3" is allowed, but beyond that is a "deadly weapon."

I'm wondering if those of you who live or frequent those two states can lend any more information. I have a family member traveling to Phoenix on business and I will be in Chicago sometime in August. We are mostly curious as to allowable blade lengths on folders in those two cities. Thanks for any help you can offer.
 
Howdy.
As far as I know, there is no legal limit blade length here. I advocate covering all bases with a CWP, but if you're not a resident that's really not practical. You might ask this at TacticalForums.com. They (and many of the forumites) are based out of AZ and you could probably get an AZ LEO's take on the issue there.
Be safe!
 
IL law has two components -

The first defines a dangerous weapon. With regard to knives, this is a knife with a blade in excess of 3".

The second component regards the offense "Unlawful use of a dangerous weapon". If you are carrying an item which is defined as a dangerous weapon, and it is your intention to use that item as a weapon, then you are guilty of the offense. If it is your intention to cut fruit, you are able to legally carry any item. Keep in mind, though, that ultimately, a judge determines your intent. It's quite likely if you have irritated a LEO, that he will arrest you and let you go to court for a judge's decision.

WRT Chicago proper, Chicago has no intent clause. I don't carry anything over 2.5" in Chicago.

I'm not a lawyer. Don't get yourself in trouble listening to my half-cocked advice. Read the laws yourself, or consult a real-live attorney!

------------------
AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."

[This message has been edited by Brian_Turner (edited 07-07-2000).]
 
JMB
Brian hit it on the head. The super good advice he gave is not taking advice from anybody.
We see these kind of questions here constantly. We have the internet at our finger tips. It's FAR better to just go look in the states statutes that you're interested in than run on second hand information. One thing not mentioned that is worth noting. Don't get your information from the police.
 
I have not seen the 3" law in the books I've read for Illinois. Where is that info located?
 
The Illinois State Police has a pamphlet about "Illinois deadly weapons act" which I've seen at various gun shows and other places (I've lost my copy though
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)I imagine if you call the Ill. State Police, they may be the best source for such a publication. If you ask them specific questions, you'll get 20 different answers depending who you speak with ( Keep in mind what others here are telling you, do your best to understand and follow the laws and you'll have a happy, safe trip.)

By the way, when your in the Windy City (it's called that because Indiana sucks and Wisconsin blows
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check out Gino's pizza.

Kevin

[This message has been edited by Strabs (edited 07-08-2000).]
 
Arizona Revised Statutes: http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/title13.htm

Strangely, there's only one mention of knives...

CHAPTER 31: WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES

13-3102. Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions

A. A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly:

1. Carrying a deadly weapon without a permit pursuant to section 13-3112 except a pocket knife concealed on his person; or...
Click to expand...

The term "pocket knife" isn't defined.

-Edit P.S.- This subsection would apply if a fixed blade is being carried:
F. Subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section shall not apply to a weapon or weapons carried in a belt holster which holster is wholly or partially visible, or carried in a scabbard or case designed for carrying weapons which scabbard or case is wholly or partially visible or carried in luggage. Subsection A, paragraph 2 of this section shall not apply to a weapon or weapons carried in a case, holster, scabbard, pack or luggage which is carried within a means of transportation or within a storage compartment, trunk or glove compartment of a means of transportation.
Click to expand...



[This message has been edited by cerulean (edited 07-09-2000).]
 
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