Weapons charges include more than only guns

Weapons laws cover many more weapons that just guns. Knives are also covered by these laws. Maryland’s knife laws are some of the older laws on the books. The types of knives you can carry, in what circumstances, and how you can carry them vary greatly, which makes it difficult for some people to decide if carrying a specific type of knife in a certain way is legal.

In Maryland, it is legal to own switchblades, butterfly knives, dirks, slim knives, daggers, disguised knives, undetectable knifes, throwing knives, Bowie knives, throwing stars, and ballistic knives. For each of these types of knives, how you carry it is what might lead to charges.

The only type of knife that you can conceal carry or open carry is the pocket knife. You can’t open carry a dirk, thrown star, Bowie knife, or switchblade if your intent is to cause another person harm with the weapon. You can’t conceal carry a Bowie knife, switchblade, dirk, or throwing star in any circumstance.

In many cases, a weapons crime that has to do with a knife is considered a misdemeanor. This can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to three years in jail if you are convicted on the charge.

If you have been charged with a weapons crime because of a knife, there is chance that you might not even realize that you weren’t following the law. Seeking answers to your questions regarding your case can help determine how you will plead and what defense strategy you will use.

Source: Knife Up, “Maryland Knife Laws,” accessed Jan. 19, 2016

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