Can you carry a knife for self defense in MS?
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What are laws about carrying in MS?
If I recall correctly a JPD officer once told me my automatic knife (switch blade) is okay as long as the blade was less than 4". I can't find the exact statute.
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http://www.michie.com/mississippi/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=mscode
§ 97-37-1. Deadly weapons; carrying while concealed; use or attempt to use; penalties.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in Section 45-9-101, any person who carries, concealed in whole or in part, any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver, or any rifle with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches in length, or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches in length, machine gun or any fully automatic firearm or deadly weapon, or any muffler or silencer for any firearm, whether or not it is accompanied by a firearm, or uses or attempts to use against another person any imitation firearm, shall upon conviction be punished as follows:
(a) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both, in the discretion of the court, for the first conviction under this section.
(b) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and imprisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, for the second conviction under this section.
(c) By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, for the third or subsequent conviction under this section.
(d) By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years for any person previously convicted of any felony who is convicted under this section.
(2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.
(3) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to or returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, "legitimate weapon-related sports activity" means hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other weapon.
Sources: Codes, 1880, § 2985; 1892, § 1026; 1906, § 1103; Hemingway's 1917, § 829; 1930, § 853; 1942, § 2079; Laws, 1898, p. 86; Laws, 1960, ch. 242, § 1; Laws, 1962, ch. 310, § 1; Laws, 1991, ch. 609, § 4; Laws, 2007, ch. 530, § 1, eff from and after July 1, 2007.
Search for knife and concealed here.
http://www.michie.com/mississippi/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=mscode
§ 97-37-1. Deadly weapons; carrying while concealed; use or attempt to use; penalties.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in Section 45-9-101, any person who carries, concealed in whole or in part, any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver, or any rifle with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches in length, or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches in length, machine gun or any fully automatic firearm or deadly weapon, or any muffler or silencer for any firearm, whether or not it is accompanied by a firearm, or uses or attempts to use against another person any imitation firearm, shall upon conviction be punished as follows:
(a) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both, in the discretion of the court, for the first conviction under this section.
(b) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and imprisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, for the second conviction under this section.
(c) By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, for the third or subsequent conviction under this section.
(d) By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years for any person previously convicted of any felony who is convicted under this section.
(2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.
(3) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to or returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, "legitimate weapon-related sports activity" means hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other weapon.
Sources: Codes, 1880, § 2985; 1892, § 1026; 1906, § 1103; Hemingway's 1917, § 829; 1930, § 853; 1942, § 2079; Laws, 1898, p. 86; Laws, 1960, ch. 242, § 1; Laws, 1962, ch. 310, § 1; Laws, 1991, ch. 609, § 4; Laws, 2007, ch. 530, § 1, eff from and after July 1, 2007.
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I think a reasonably long knife is OK. In some States, it is not. Beware of what you carry on vacation to States like NY, MA, NJ, IL and CT. In NY, a folding knife with a blade over 2-7/8" from tip to hinge pin is a concealed weapon and they give you 2 years for carrying it. That is why this Yankee moved to Mississippi!!!!!!!!!!!
Doug
Doug
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Guess I'm fortunate to be where I'm at...cause this old Kansas boy don't have to leave the house like that.msredneck said:
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Aw, it ain't that bad 'round most of these parts, unless (like me) you live near Memphis, or if you live down Jackson way. In those cases, you'd best load for bear and mean it... I'm a pacifist myself, fully intend to just talk them outta robbin' me like a diplomat.quigleysharps4570 said:
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:NO: no no don't me thats :rotflmao:slabsides45 said:
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I carry a knife EVERY day ... I use it on my job (utilities), and carry one when Im not working for a little extra piece of mind.
I prefer Benchmade, Kershaw, and Emerson for carry. I've got a fixed blade Glock field knife, and a spyderco machete also.
I prefer Benchmade, Kershaw, and Emerson for carry. I've got a fixed blade Glock field knife, and a spyderco machete also.
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I think so!!chestnut said:
BTW - Welcome to MSG
This is a real grey area. I've combed the MS statutes and "switchblades" could be interpreted as automatics. I believe the law denies those to non-LEO but several people I know carry them. I'm not sure the auto has any advantage over a folder since it makes a sound whereas the folder is quiet. I've had an auto but gave it to a LEO as a gesture or appreciation. I'd like another but can't really see the sense of spending upwards of $200 for a nice one when I've got several very nice folders.
Any legal eagles care to share what they know about MS law???
Any legal eagles care to share what they know about MS law???
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