If you have been convicted of a felony in Arizona, then you are well aware that there are restrictions when it comes to carrying firearms. But what about restrictions when it comes to carrying knives? The subject of knife ownership and possession after a felony conviction can be complicated. Here, we want to delve into the legality of carrying a knife if you have been convicted of a felony in the state of Arizona.
Knives Are Generally Legal for Felons
There is an Arizona law that prohibits certain individuals from carrying weapons. In fact, under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3101(7), we can see that these individuals are actually called “prohibited possessors.”
However, a prohibited possessor is typically only prohibited from carrying “deadly weapons.” On the surface, this may seem like it excludes a person from carrying a knife. After all, a knife can certainly be deadly, particularly if a person uses it to stab another individual. However, answering the question of whether a felon can carry a knife in Arizona is not simple. It really depends on the knife in question.
The deadly weapons statutes in Arizona typically revolve around firearms. As such, felons in the United States are prohibited from carrying or owning firearms at all.
Examining the Type of Knife
We will find that basic pocket knives, steak knives, filet knives, or another form of a utility knife will not be prohibited for a felon. However, there are various types of knives that can be considered deadly weapons, including switchblades, martial arts blades, combat knives, and certain types of swords that you see in stores sold around Arizona.
The Intent of the User
It is important to point out that the intent of the knife user is crucial here. If a felon is carrying a knife legally but they use that knife to cause harm or attempt to cause harm to another individual, then this will most likely be considered a crime. Similarly, a felon is not prohibited from carrying a brick in Arizona, but brick can certainly be turned into a deadly weapon depending on the intent of the user.
Working With an Attorney for Your Case
If you or somebody you care about has been charged with a crime after carrying a knife in Arizona, we encourage you to contact a Chandler criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. We understand that felons have a tough road ahead of them after they have been convicted and served their time. It is not uncommon for law enforcement officials to harass known felons, even if they are doing everything legally. A criminal defense lawyer can fully investigate the facts of your arrest, gather evidence independent from what the law enforcement officials and prosecutors have gathered, and defend your case vigorously.
If you have been arrested for carrying a knife as a felon in Arizona, we need you to take advantage of your Miranda rights and not speak to law enforcement officials or prosecutors until after you have secured legal assistance.