Atlanta Knife Charge Lawyer | What Knives Are Illegal in Georgia? (2024)

Georgia Weapon Crimes Defense Attorneys with 24 Years’ Experience

Atlanta Knife Laws

In Georgia, there are restrictions on the size and type of knife that you can carry. When police enforcement stops a person and finds that they possess knives that are illegal, it can lead to serious legal charges.

It is important to keep in mind that the possession of an illegal knife can act as an enhancing factor in getting criminal charges for other offenses increased to a more serious charge. If you have been charged with knife crime, it is vital to contact an experienced weapon crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Abt Law Firm have over 24 years of experience helping people accused of knife crime in Georgia.

Contact our experienced Atlanta crimes charges defense attorneys today for a free case review at (678) 582-2272!

Illegal Knives in Georgia

There are a variety of knives that are prohibited in the state if Georgia. Possessing these types of knives can result in serious penalties and consequences.

Some of the knives that are illegal to carry include:

  • Darts
  • Locking blades
  • Other knives with blades longer than five inches
  • Pocket knives that have a blade longer than five inches
  • Razor blades
  • Throwing knives

Penalties for Knife Crimes in Georgia

When a person has been arrested on charges of robbery, assault, or sexual assault, they may face significantly longer prison terms if they possessed a dangerous weapon, such as a knife. If the crime is charged as a more serious felony, the person may be facing decades in prison, as well as large fines. Also, a felony charge for possession of a dangerous weapon can cause a person to lose their right to carry a firearm after they served their sentence.

In addition to the felony charges and misdemeanor charges for carrying a knife in violation of the law, a person who carries a concealed knife with the intent of using it to commit an offense against another person can be charged with a misdemeanor crime. The penalty for this may be a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

A person is prohibited from entering into the following premises with a knife:

  • Certain government buildings
  • Courthouses
  • Jails
  • Mental institutions
  • Places of worship
  • Schools and other locations where children regularly are present

Getting arrested with a concealed knife in any of these locations, can find himself charged with a serious crime. It is important to have the right legal representation to avoid the life-altering consequences of a conviction for a dangerous weapon related crime.

Aggressively Advocates for People Accused of Knife Crimes in Georgia

The Atlanta criminal defense firm of the Abt Law Firm, LLC understands the many nuances of the law and will work with you to obtain the right results. We have over 2 decades of experience helping the people of Atlanta who have been accused of knife crimes. We have successfully handled over 2,500 cases and over 100 jury trials.

If you do not want a criminal record, call our Atlanta knife charges defense lawyers immediately at (678) 582-2272! We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 for our clients.

Atlanta Knife Charge Lawyer | What Knives Are Illegal in Georgia? (2024)

FAQs

Atlanta Knife Charge Lawyer | What Knives Are Illegal in Georgia? ›

Georgia Knife Carry Laws

You can carry any knife with a blade length of 12 inches or less, open or concealed. This includes fixed blades, OTF knives, pocket knives, butterfly knives, etc.

Are fixed blade knives legal in Georgia? ›

Georgia Knife Carry Laws

You can carry any knife with a blade length of 12 inches or less, open or concealed. This includes fixed blades, OTF knives, pocket knives, butterfly knives, etc.

Are automatic knives legal to carry in Georgia? ›

Are Switchblades Illegal in Georgia? The short answer is yes; switchblades are illegal in Georgia. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)

Are out the front knives illegal in Georgia? ›

In Georgia, it is legal to carry any knife openly or concealed if it has a blade length of 12 inches or less (Georgia Code 16-11-125.1), well within the typical dimensions of an OTF knife.

Can a convicted felon carry a knife in Georgia? ›

Convicted felons cannot possess firearms at any time or in any place. The maximum length blade that a pocket knife can have is three inches in Georgia. Locking blades, even on multi-tools, and throwing knives, even if less than three inches, are illegal in Georgia.

What type of knives are illegal in Georgia? ›

Illegal Knives in Georgia
  • Darts.
  • Locking blades.
  • Other knives with blades longer than five inches.
  • Pocket knives that have a blade longer than five inches.
  • Razor blades.
  • Throwing knives.

Are any knives illegal in Georgia? ›

There are no forbidden knives under Georgia law. Some knives with blades longer than 12 inches are subject statutory weapon restrictions.

Can you use a knife in self-defense Georgia? ›

Self-Defense and Deadly Force for Attack Against a Person

Instead, you can only threaten or use force to the extent you believe is reasonably necessary to stop the force against you. This is especially true in cases of deadly force, including defending yourself with a gun or knife.

What size knife can you carry in Georgia? ›

In Georgia, it is illegal to own and carry any knife, open or concealed, with a blade longer than 12-inches. To carry knives with a blade length of more than 12-inches, a weapons permit is required. Apart from this, Georgia does not restrict possessing any knife within the state.

Can you carry a weapon in your car in Georgia? ›

Last updated January 5, 2023 . Georgia generally allows anyone who is not prohibited from possessing firearms to have or carry a firearm on their person inside their motor vehicle.

Is it legal to walk around with knives? ›

In general, it is legal to carry a knife in most states. However, there are often limits on knives or bladed weapons that may be carried.

Is it illegal to walk around in public with a knife? ›

People in California can carry folding knives (other than switchblades) concealed on their person and freely in the open as long as the knives are in the folded position. And it does not matter how long the blade is. Folding knives include pocketknives, Swiss army knives, box cutters, and other “utility” knives.

What is the gun with a knife in front? ›

A bayonet (from French baïonnette) is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit on the end of the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar firearm, allowing it to be used as a spear-like weapon. From the 17th century to World War I, it was a weapon for infantry attacks.

Can a felon live in a house with a gun in Georgia? ›

According to Georgia 16-11-131 statute, the state restricts people who have a felony on their record from owning and possessing a firearm. If a convicted felon has a firearm he will be arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

What is the new carry law in Georgia? ›

Effective April 12, 2022, Georgia now generally permits any “lawful weapons carrier” to carry handguns openly or concealed in most public spaces without any background check or permit required.

Can a felon own a gun after 10 years in Georgia? ›

Can I have my right to legally possess a firearm restored if I have a felony FEDERAL conviction? No. The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles does not have the authority to restore firearm rights on felony federal convictions. You will need to apply for a presidential pardon.

What is the most illegal type of knife? ›

A ballistic knife is essentially a blade attached to a hollow handle that fits inside of another outer hollow handle, which contains a coil spring.

What are illegal vs legal knives? ›

In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

What state has the strictest knife laws? ›

California is known for having rather complicated weapon laws, and knives are no exception. It is completely unlawful to bring a weapon into public spaces like schools, public buildings, and any property owned by the U.S. government.

What length knife is considered a weapon? ›

The blade must be longer than 12 inches, and it must be an item or “instrument” designed for the purpose of offense or defense. In other words, for the knife to be a “weapon,” it must have a blade longer than one foot.

What knives are legal to carry around? ›

Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.

What is a locking knife? ›

A lock knife has a mechanism which locks the blade in position when fully extended, the blade cannot be closed without that mechanism being released. A lock knife is not an offensive weapon per se, as these knives were made with a specific purpose in mind were not intended as a weapon.

What are legal self-defense weapons in Georgia? ›

Non-lethal or Less Lethal weapons and self-defense

The three types of weapons we will discuss today are stun guns and tasers, batons and nightsticks, and chemical sprays. These are all types of non-lethal weapons that are acceptable to carry in Georgia without a weapons carry license.

What happens if you use a knife to defend yourself? ›

Some people who are not willing to carry a gun will carry a knife thinking it a less legally-serious option. While it may fit different carry laws, using a knife in self-defense is still generally considered lethal force in the same way deploying a firearm is considered lethal force.

Is Georgia stand your ground? ›

Georgia has a stand your ground law which removes the duty to retreat before using force in self defense or in defense of another.

What size knife is legal to carry around? ›

Knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches. Certain types of knives, such as switchblades, spring-loaded knives, swords, spears, and daggers are also outlawed.

Do you need a permit to carry around a knife? ›

A: In California, you can legally purchase, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted under the law. California's open carry law states that the hilt or handle of a knife can't be hidden or concealed. This includes if the hilt is hidden underneath clothing or in the blade's sheath.

How big of a knife can you check? ›

Knives are no longer allowed even if they are shorter than 2.36 inches. Can I bring a pocket knife on a plane? You can only bring a pocket knife in your checked baggage.

Can I carry a gun in my pocket in Georgia? ›

THE PISTOL, REVOLVER OR FIREARM MAY ONLY BE CARRIED IN A SHOULDER OR WAIST BELT HOLSTER, HIPGRIP, OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR DEVICE AND THE WEAPON MAY BE CONCEALED BY THE PERSON'S CLOTHING, HANDBAG OR PURSE, ATTACHÉ CASE, BRIEFCASE, OR OTHER CLOSED CONTAINER.

Can you carry a gun in a bar in Georgia? ›

Can You Carry a Gun Into a Bar in Georgia? Yes, a person with a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a license from a state that Georgia honors may carry a concealed firearm in any location that is not off-limits, per Georgia Code Ann. § 16-11-127(b).

Can I carry a gun in my trunk in Georgia? ›

Misconception: You Must Lock Your Firearm in the Trunk

Matter of fact, you can carry it anywhere in the car, loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed. This applies to anyone traveling in Georgia and remember also, that Georgia recognizes the weapons permits and licenses from 32 other states.

What is considered a pocket knife? ›

A pocketknife is a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle. They are also known as jackknives (jack-knife), folding knives, EDC knife, or may be referred to as a penknife, though a penknife may also be a specific kind of pocketknife. Blade lengths typically range from 5 to 15 centimetres (2 to 6 in).

Can I walk around with a kitchen knife? ›

Walking With Your Knife

However, if you have to walk from point A to point B with your knife, you will want to make sure you walk with your knife safely. To walk across your kitchen with a knife you will want to have the blade tip pointing down towards the floor with the sharp edge of the blade facing behind you.

Are knives that you can open with one hand illegal? ›

There is no federal restriction on the ownership, possession, or carrying of a switchblade knife. There are some states that have enacted laws regarding switchblades (see State Laws Regarding Auto-Open Knives). The majority of states allow auto-open knives.

Is it legal to walk around in public with a sword? ›

While it may be legal in some circ*mstances, carrying a sword in public is generally illegal. If you are facing firearms charges, you should speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What is a Dirk knife? ›

The general definition of a dirk is that of a one-handed thrusting knife. Depending on region and style, it may be single-edged or double-edged. It also may or may not have a defined cross guard and pommel. Dirk as a term is loosely associated with several Scottish and English regions.

Why are gravity knives illegal? ›

A knife is not illegal because it is designed to open by the force of gravity and lock into place; the knife is illegal when it actually does open by the force of gravity and locks into place by means of a procedure used by the District Attorney's office to identify a gravity knife, called the “wrist flick test.”

What is the 21 foot rule? ›

It's called the “21-foot rule,” and it means that someone with a knife running toward police, could cover about 21 feet before officers unholster their gun and fire. But this standard training technique, which got its start in Salt Lake City, is now controversial. It's been called outdated, simplistic, even dangerous.

What is a ghost knife weapon? ›

Description. An untraceable, virtually undetectable, non-metallic, non-magnetic, affordable, lightweight blade that's impervious to the elements and mission ready! This is a kitchen knife and not designed to be used as a weapon.

What is a hobo knife? ›

This Spoon-Fork-Knife combination is exclusive to Case and is used by campers, hikers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts who desire a more civilized way to eat while on adventure. The three 'blades' easily fold out and separate into a complete set of utensils.

Can a felons wife have a gun in Georgia? ›

So the answer to the age-old question is yes, your spouse can own a gun as long as you don't possess it- actually or constructively, but to be wary as the distinction is not always clear.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Georgia? ›

Felonies: Four years. Serious violent and sex-related felonies: Seven years.

How long before a felon can carry a gun in Georgia? ›

Nonforcible felon who has been free of restraint or supervision for five years is not eligible to apply for a license to carry firearms unless the felon obtains a pardon within the meaning of O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131(c).

Can I open carry on my property in Georgia? ›

Open carry is legal in Georgia only with a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a concealed carry permit from a state Georgia honors. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses. Open carry is not addressed in the constitutional carry bill that was signed into law on April 12, 2022.

What is SB 319 Georgia? ›

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 12 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions regarding parks, historic areas, memorials, and recreation; to amend Part 3 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to carrying and possession of firearms; to amend Part 2 of ...

Can you open carry an AR 15 in Georgia? ›

Georgia also generally allows any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm to openly carry a long gun in most public spaces.

Can a felon be around someone who owns a gun? ›

Felons are allowed to associate with or be around someone who owns a gun, but these laws can get tricky. A convicted felon may be found guilty of “constructive possession” of a firearm if they knew that a firearm was in a home or residence and they could maintain control of the gun.

Can a felon be around someone with a concealed carry? ›

Generally speaking, felons are still allowed to associate with or be around someone who owns a gun. However, this can be complicated if the gun itself is around, or if the person who owns the gun lives with the convicted felon.

How far back does a gun background check go in Georgia? ›

How Far Back Does a Background Check go in Georgia? Background checks in Georgia for employment must comply with the FCRA's seven-year lookback period.

What is the legal length of a fixed blade knife? ›

Switchblades, fixed blade knives with blades longer than 4 inches, and any other knives restricted by California law can't be carried in public buildings.

Should I carry a fixed blade knife? ›

Although many will gravitate to the folding knife for everyday carry, or EDC, I would suggest you consider giving a fixed blade knife a chance. Fixed blade knives are more capable and durable than folding knives. They are less likely to break under high stress and hard use.

Is a fixed blade knife considered a dagger? ›

Any fixed blade knife can be a “dirk or dagger” under California law and should be carried openly in a sheath suspended from the waist. Various knives disguised as other objects are prohibited. (See Restricted Knives below.)

Can you use a knife in self defense Georgia? ›

Self-Defense and Deadly Force for Attack Against a Person

Instead, you can only threaten or use force to the extent you believe is reasonably necessary to stop the force against you. This is especially true in cases of deadly force, including defending yourself with a gun or knife.

Can you legally carry around a knife? ›

In California, it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted. The three most common types of knives — switchblades, folding knives, and fixed blade knives (also known as dirks and daggers) — have certain rules surrounding them and are explained in more detail below.

What is the largest knife you can legally carry? ›

Knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches. Certain types of knives, such as switchblades, spring-loaded knives, swords, spears, and daggers are also outlawed.

Where is the best place to carry a knife? ›

The two best ways are Inside the Waist Band (IWB), vertically so the handle sticks up above your waistband, or Outside the Waist Band (OWB), usually mounted horizontally on the belt. Both of these options put the knife on the your waist line. This is a very natural position for accessing tools.

Should I carry a self defense knife? ›

ADVANTAGES OF CARRYING A KNIFE

As mentioned before, a knife is a legitimate choice when you can't carry a gun, or when the gun you have runs out of bullets in a self-protection situation. There are other advantages of a knife, too. They're easy to buy if you're buying a legal knife.

What is the best position to carry knife? ›

The most typical knife sheath carry position for a right-handed user would be the 3:00 position; a lefty would usually carry at 9. The same side as your dominant hand. If you normally use the knife with your right hand, this would mean carrying your blade on your right side (anywhere between 12 and 6).

What is a fixed blade knife called? ›

Sometimes called a sheath knife, many times these knives are going to be stronger than folding knives, because of the extension of the blade into the handle, and the lack of moving parts in the knife.

What kind of weapon is a knife considered? ›

It states that: "melee weapons, brass knuckles, dagger, kama, saber, bayonet and other items whose primary purpose is offense" are considered weapons. Most knives are therefore considered tools and technically legal to possess and carry.

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