How old do you have to be to legally posses a weapon such as a riffle or a knife?

Question

The person in question is 16 yrs old and recently did a few nights in Juvie on an assult charge. He was not formally charged but I notice that it's still on his record as a "non charge offense" This is in Washington State. Thanks much.

Answer 1

I found a different result than King George. You only have to be 18 to have a firearm. In the case of a sixteen year-old it would be a class "C" felony as provided below;

WA State Code - RCW 9.41.040

(2)(a) A person, whether an adult or juvenile, is guilty of the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree, if the person does not qualify under subsection (1) of this section for the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree and the person owns, has in his or her possession, or has in his or her control any firearm:

(iii) If the person is under eighteen years of age, except as provided in RCW 9.41.042; and/or

(b) Unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.


This is the statute for when it is legal (hunting, at home, approved ranges, etc.)

I haven't found the statutes covering knives yet.

Answer 2

Federal law to buy a rifle is 18 years of age and the usual waiting period. But you can be given a rifle and it is not against the law to possess it as long as you are using it in a lawful manner. State laws all very from state to state so you should check your state laws but I would think it should be about the same. Knifes are not illegal to possess inherently unless being used in an illegal way or they are past a certain length and are conceal.

Answer 3

Actually I dont know that there is any age minimum for a person to posess a blade weapon like a knife. I was always under the impression that you had to be of 18 years to purchase any rifle or non-firearm type weapon.

Answer 4

In Washington state the age for lawful possesion of a firearm is 21, there are broad exceptions for hunting regulations. See web-site link below.

http://www.bradycampaign.org/legislation/state/viewstate.php?st=wa

Knifes are not well covered until they fall under the category of carrying a concealed weapon.

Answer 5

Eighteen is typically the age. If you are arrested for a crime the event is added to you record along with the deposition or findings. For example, guilty and sentence length or dismissed in the interest of justice etc.

Answer 6

18 for the rifle, never if the knife is said to be for protection.