Baton Laws and Legalities

http://www.my-self-defense.com/expandable-baton-laws.html

Many places in the United States have prohibited offensive weapons laws which allows you to carry certain weapons such as expandable batons, but they become illegal if you use or intend to use the device in an offensive manner resulting in additional charges or stiffer consequences. One would think this type of law would allow you to use and carry the weapon for defensive purposes without question.

Unfortunately it is difficult to identify expandable batons as illegal in most states as they do not specifically mention expdable or telescopic batons. We have not found a state law from any state that mentions expandable baton laws or telescopic baton laws. In some locations an expandable baton falls under the term "club", "billy" or "bludgon" and therefore it would be illegal. If you carry an expandable baton in states that mention club, billys or bludgeons as illegal in any way you run the risk of being prosecuted.

There is more information on that link above, about certain laws and legalities regarding Baton possession and ownership, in certain states.

http://www.ehow.com/list_6803738_retractable-baton-laws.html

Retractable batons are weapons primarily used for protection, They function by extending from an approximately 6-inch size to up to 24 inches. Also called clubs, billy clubs or blackjacks, retractable batons are regulated in some areas of the United States due to their classification as a weapon. In almost all areas, the use of retractable batons in a crime is a serious offense. If you are thinking about purchasing a retractable baton, check with a lawyer or baton dealer to determine local statutes that apply to possession.

Illegality
In some states, retractable batons are illegal. These states include California, New York and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. In Pennsylvania, if you can prove that the baton is a curio (collector's item) or for use in a play or some other legitimate reason that doesn't use it as a weapon, then possession is legal. Proof may include pictures of the performance the baton was used in, or a display stand that exhibits it as a curio. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania classifies possession of a baton as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.

Carrying
In Massachusetts and Texas, it isn't illegal to own a retractable baton, but it is illegal to carry one on your person or in your car. In Texas, it is a misdemeanor to carry a baton unless you are at, or near, a liquor store. These states view the baton as a weapon that is appropriate for protection but don't promote carrying unlicensed weapons in public places.

Assault
In almost all states, assault becomes aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon when a baton is used. Assault is an attempt to cause someone harm using violence. In some places, this can be classified as a felony and has penalties that range from 13 months to 10 years in prison. Often, assault with a deadly weapon carries a strict penalty, even if the victim wasn't seriously injured. The reason is that the law considers the attempt to cause someone great harm as a threat to the public.

Here's another link I found:

http://www.criminalrepellent.com/steelbatonlaws.html

excellent info for those who wish to carry blunt items! Thanks Tothian!

Yep! And no problem, All-Star. I hope you find it useful.

This is usful. I was wondering about telescoping batons. Right now I have bright LED flashlight and a tazer... I was recently told tazers may be illegal in minnesota, as they are risky depending on who you use them on. So I was looking for something else to go with my LED lights. I may just do a cane or something. I originally wanted to use my bokken... but that is clearly a blunt weapon.

I'm not sure about those bright LED Flashlights, and Maglites, and how legal they are to use or carry. I'm currently doing some research on that, and not finding too much luck. The smaller ones that could fit in your pocket, I'm pretty sure are legal, if used as a tool to provide you light at night time and in dark places. If used to cause bodily injury to anyone, except in the case of self-defense, it might not work so well in the favor of the person who attacked with it.

I still forgot to post the laws and legalities of Stun Guns and Tasers. Thanks for the reminder.

In the mean time, I do know that canes ARE legal weapons to carry everywhere (but NOT cane swords), so that's something that you know for a fact that you can rely on - and like I mentioned in another post in this section, feel free to look up other laws elsewhere than this forum, to further confirm the truth of all that is posted here.

Oh I use LEDs to flash in an attackers eyes(I accidentally blinded myself one day and thought it would be useful on patrols)... not as a club! My tazer has one built in and I have a small one that hangs around my neck. They give you that one second or two to either get away, or to disable them. they are also good in the dark.

Awesome. Also, take note of the fact that when it is dark, it takes 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness to where you can use your night vision again.

Although, this kind of stuff is probably stuff we should post about in the WUATT (say that out loud) Section.

Are tonfa legal to carry?

Nameless,

The laws can vary, depending on your location. Your introduction states that you're in Canada, so I did some research regarding the laws on martial arts weapons in Canada, and found these links:

http://ejmas.com/tin/2004tin/tinart_agnew_0104.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070226033607AAPJCtH

http://reviews.ebay.com/The-Legality-of-Martial-Arts-Weapons-In-Canada_W0QQugidZ10000000002566195

I wouldn't ever suggest 100% relying on any website though. I share these links to give you a better idea for some form of reference rather than none at all. The most reliable source would be asking your local (and federal) Police departments though.

Thanks for that link. So now to my understanding, assuming my tonfa are intended for self-defense (which they are), they're perfectly legal to carry. I'll have to research some local bylaws to see if there's any impedement.

No problem. If you can find out any more information to confirm or deny this, please let us know.

Ill stick with my shovel

Of course.