Comment by Sebguer

6 years ago

Depends on the state. I believe in some states it's legal so long as you're not actively engaged in a crime, but becomes illegal if you get caught with them in a criminal act, even if they weren't directly related to the criminal act?

Edit: People REALLY like answering this question, apparently. :D

4 comments

Sebguer

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busterarm  6 years ago

I do locksport and breaching for fun (in a safe, legal manner) and I live here in NY.

Certain tools only have a purpose for forced entry, like the shove it tool and halligan bar. If you are caught with such tools and are not a first responder, you will be treated as a burglar and in all likelihood successfully prosecuted.

  • ineedasername  6 years ago

    It seems odd. A halligan bar is basically a hybrid between a large crow bar and a pick axe. Seems strange for a sort of multi-tool to be illegal when its individual components are just fine (and equally up to the breaking -> entering job)

    • rootusrootus  6 years ago

      Yeah I can't find anything at all about possession of such a tool being illegal by itself. In Oregon, our law is very specific that possessing burglary tools is only illegal when you intend to use them to commit burglary, or know that someone else intends to use them for it.