Collapsable/Expandable Baton Legality

[This45Colt]

Hey all... not sure if this should be under the "LEGAL" catagory or not... but that seems to be more on just the firearm side of things, so I put it here... please let me know if I should move it.


First off, I would really rather not make this a thread on carrying VS not carrying a baton, rather, just over the legality. More specifically, in the state of New Hampshire.

I looked at the state constitution, and some random websites, and from what I can tell, they are looking like a legal possibility. However, it does state that blackjacks are illegal, and that could sort of fall under a club type weapon. In that sense, clubs are illegal in a lot of states, therefore I am wondering if a baton would fall under the definition of blackjack.

Anyone have any ideas/thoughts?

I might try calling my local PD, but last time I did that regarding the age to obtain a CCW permit, they said it was 21... which is not quite right...

 

[glistam]

I don't think there are any lawyers on this forum, and if there are, you have no reason to believe they are what they say unless you see proof. Legal advice is worth what you pay for it.

With that disclaimer out of the way, here are some tips to doing the research:
1. Use official sites published by the state and local government. All jurisdictions publish online for free. You just have to find it. Third party sites can be used to point in the right direction, but many such sites are out of date.
NH:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/159/159-15.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/159/159-16.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/159/159-24.htm
2. If the state law doesn't mention something as illegal and does not have a preemption statute (and most do not), it is still possible for a county or city to enact laws that make something illegal.
3. The opinion of the local police has ups and downs: While officers can be wrong about legality with the general tendency err on the side of caution, they are the ones who would be arresting you if you are found to have the aforementioned item. If they think it's illegal and you don't, guess who gets to have his way?

My opinion: A "blackjack" does not include a baton. The preferred legal term for a baton-like weapon in most of the United States is a "billy" or "billie." Note the term "billie" is actually used explicitly in 159:15, which only applies if it is carried during the commission of a crime.

 

[lukedsh]

I remember reading some place that they are legal in Minnesota. . . But I think it’s one of the grey areas in the law for most states.

Lexan knuckles may be a good alternative.