Do you routinely carry a knife for work, hunting or protection from violent assault? Could you be held culpable for possessing one?
When determining the legality of carrying knives here in Arkansas, the law focuses on the intent of the person carrying the knife rather than on the weapon itself. Learn more below about how to protect yourself and your rights.
What the law says
Under current Arkansas law, it is an arrestable offense if someone carries a knife in their vehicle or on their person or otherwise has the weapon “readily available for use with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the . . . knife . . . as a weapon against a person.”
Is concealed carry legal?
Again, intent is the guiding factor in determining criminality. Concealed carry is not prohibited unless the person is attempting to bring a knife to the following locations:
- Arkansas state capital grounds
- Arkansas Justice Building
- Specified public buildings
- Schools
There are exceptions for carrying knives in weigh stations and state-maintained rest areas in Arkansas that are overseen by the state Department of Transportation.
What knives are prohibited from carrying?
Unlike some other states which ban certain knives from possession, sale and ownership, Arkansas has no prohibition on the types of knives it is legal to have.
Are there any exceptions?
As with many areas of the law, yes. The following are considered criminal offenses here in our state:
- Giving any curing instrument to a minor which could be considered a “deadly weapon” is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Providing knives to incarcerated inmates is a Class D felony.
As you can see, the state grants much latitude to prosecutorial discretion when determining the criminality of knife laws.
Protect your freedom and your rights
If you are facing weapons charges here in Arkansas, we understand the seriousness of the allegations and will work with you to build a stalwart defense to the charges.