Attention all business owners and store clerks in the city of Los Angeles:
Make sure that you do not sell a knife, blade, or any other stabbing weapon to anyone under the age of 18, if you want to avoid the possibility of developing a criminal record.
That's right, it is actually illegal to sell knives and daggers to a minor in Los Angeles. The law went into effect in 1993, when it was unanimously passed by the Los Angeles City Council and signed by Richard Riordan, who was the city mayor at the time. The Los Angeles Times reported that the city council passed the law in hopes of reducing injuries and deaths amongst youngsters.
According to Chapter 13.58 of Title 13 municipal code, a person who sells knives to a minor can be charged with a misdemeanor, and can be punished with a fine up to $500 and be imprisoned in the County Jail for up to six months.
There are of course exceptions to the law, and because many in Los Angeles are unaware that such a law exists, a criminal attorney in Los Angeles can help with a good defense. A criminal defense attorney would be able a person accused of such a law identify exceptions to the law. For example, it's legal to sell knives to an individual under the age of 18, if the minor is accompanied by an adult. The sale can also be legal if the merchant keeps a record of the name and address of the purchaser.
Related Resources:
- Misdemeanor Crimes (FindLaw's LawBrain)
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge (FindLaw)
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