New York state statutes regulate dangerous weapons. There are many rules imposed on firearm ownership. There are also many laws related to the possession of knives.
People who participate in outdoor sports, blue-collar workers and many others may regularly carry knives for a variety of purposes. In some cases, people who own and carry knives could face weapons charges.
Hunters, fishermen, blue-collar professionals and others generally need to understand legal limitations on knife ownership to avoid criminal prosecution.
What types of knives are illegal in New York?
The law prohibits the possession of any knife, such as a switchblade, that opens automatically due to a button, spring or similar device. The law also prohibits ballistic knives that eject their blades, knives with integrated metal knuckles, dirks, daggers, stilettos and throwing stars. Any undetectable knives meant to bypass a metal detector may be illegal, as are any blades concealed as canes or walking sticks.
What impact can illegal knives have?
The possession of a knife prohibited by state law can lead to a criminal charge on its own. Other times, the presence of a knife deemed dangerous by state statutes could exacerbate other criminal charges. The possession of a knife during a fight that leads to assault charges could impact the allegations made by the state and the penalties imposed after a conviction, for example.
Anyone accused of possessing an illegal knife or a similar weapons offense is at risk of significant long-term consequences. Reviewing the nature of the weapon and the reason for possessing it with a criminal defense attorney can help those accused of a knife-related crime evaluate their defense options.