Q: Can a felon legally possess and transport throwing knives in Nebraska for sporting purposes?
In Nebraska, is it legal for a convicted felon to possess and transport throwing knives for sporting purposes? Specifically, I assembled a standing target with a friend and practiced throwing knives, transporting them stored in a box on the floor of my truck with the target in the truck bed. I'm concerned about whether this possession may be considered as having a deadly weapon.
A:
There is an argument either way on this one.
The statute has exceptions for things like archery equipment for lawful purposes and hunting/fishing equipment when used for those purposes and the person has the appropriate Nebraska permit for hunting/fishing consistent with the equipment. There is a case where the State brought charges for the person possessing a hunting/fishing knife and the appellate court affirmed that the trial court was correct in dismissing the case for the possession of just that knife.
However, the statute does specifically include the word "knife" as a prohibited item and as far as I know, there isn't any caselaw on point that says throwing knives are an exception. It would be possible that charges could be brought and that the Court would find these knives are prohibited.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.