Beavercreek, OR asked in Criminal Law for Oregon

Q: Is it legal for me to carry a collapsible baton in Oregon?

I have been thinking about getting a collapsible baton but I don't know if it's legal for me to carry it in public. Also I would like to know if there are any special requirements for me to own one.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Brian Lehman
Brian Lehman
Answered

A: Probably not -- a court would likely find it illegal.

Under ORS 166.240, it is illegal to carry certain weapons concealed: "any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, any dirk, dagger, ice pick, slungshot, metal knuckles, or any similar instrument by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon the person or property of any other person"

https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.240

Baton-like instruments are not mentioned. "Any similar instrument" could be interpreted by a police officer or the court or both to cover such items and that is what I would expect.

Oregon's concealed carry licenses are called "Concealed Handgun Permits" and, thus, do not apply to weapons other than handguns.

Michael G. Romano
PREMIUM
Michael G. Romano
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Beaverton, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: The answer is a bit complicated. I actually wrote an article on this topic, which you can read here: https://romanolawpc.com/expandable-collapsible-batons-legal-oregon/

The reason I saw that the answer is a bit complicated is because Oregon does not have a specific law that clarifies one way or another whether collapsible batons are legal. Similarly, Oregon does not have a specific law that clarifies one way or another whether collapsible batons are legal to carry concealed in Oregon. However, there is case law that appears to indicate that carrying a concealed baton-- or any other item designed to primarily be used as a weapon-- is illegal.

In short, you can possess and open carry a collapsible baton in Oregon legally provided that it's not concealed or otherwise prohibited based on your status or location. For example, if you're on probation it could be unlawful. Also, if you're in a location that doesn't allow weapons, it'd be unlawful as well.

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