Q: Can a Georgia felon carry a 9" knife for protection?
I am blind and use a cane to walk around my neighborhood in Georgia. My neighbors have multiple dogs, including pit bulls that run in packs, which has prevented me from walking due to safety concerns. I want to know if I can carry a 9-inch open blade knife in a sheath for protection against these dogs while walking. I have no intention of using it for anything other than self-defense. Can a felon legally carry such a knife in Georgia under these circumstances?
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A: I do not know of any law in Georgia that would prohibit a felon from carrying a knife with a blade that is 12 inches or smaller.
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A:
In Georgia, it is illegal for a felon to possess a firearm or certain weapons, including knives with blades longer than 5 inches, unless specific conditions are met. Carrying a 9-inch knife could potentially be classified as illegal possession of a weapon, particularly for someone with a felony conviction. Even if the knife is intended solely for protection against animals, the law may not make an exception based on intent or the circumstances.
You should also be aware that self-defense laws in Georgia do allow for using reasonable force to protect yourself from threats. However, using a knife as a self-defense tool could still raise legal concerns if it is considered an unlawful weapon under state law. Since your case involves a specific legal issue as a felon, it's important to understand the exact limits and exemptions.
To ensure that you are complying with the law, I recommend consulting a local attorney who can assess your situation. They can provide guidance on whether there are any legal alternatives to carrying a knife, such as pepper spray, or what other steps you can take to protect yourself while staying within the boundaries of the law.
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