Just some clarification.

[-Diesel-]

"§ 6-205. Burglary in the fourth degree

Prohibited--Possession of burglar's tool

(d) A person may not possess a burglar's tool with the intent to use or allow the use of the burglar's tool in the commission of a violation of this subtitle."

That is marylands law for owning things like lockpicks and bump keys.

It says "a burglar's tool with the intent to use"

So they are pretty much saying that we can own one... but owning one and wanting to use it to break into somebody's house (and other criminal things) isn't allowed?

So technically I can walk around in the streets in front of the police and they have no right to confiscate them?

Thank you, I know laws are made to mess with you. Just needed some clarification.

(Oh, are there any laws regarding the purchase of lockpicks/bumpkeys?)

[sfi72]

Intent to use just means that if you have them on your person, they can decide you had the intent to use, and arrest you if they feel like it...it's more so they can cover themselves. Also your allowed to own and carry picks in MD without a license, just don't get arrested with them on your person as you will most likely be charged with possession.

[-Diesel-]

Intent to use just means that if you have them on your person, they can decide you had the intent to use, and arrest you if they feel like it...it's more so they can cover themselves. Also your allowed to own and carry picks in MD without a license, just don't get arrested with them on your person as you will most likely be charged with possession.

heh, you are allowed to carry them on you, but when you get caught you suddenly aren't

I love laws.

[unlisted]

Do I even need to jump in here?

Do not pick locks you do not own, do not pick locks in use.

I would recommend you leave all your picks, tools, etc at home at all times, and only pick at your residence.

Don't want those laws to start "messing" with you now, do you?

[tballard]

Lemme clarify. It's like carrying a crowbar around. There are lots of good reasons you might be doing so. If you're pulling nails in your garage, it doesn't much matter, but if you're hanging out behind a building at 3 AM dressed all in black, expect to get a guided tour of your local police station.

[NanoDuke]

Here in Australia lock picks are regarded as *insert police terminology here* items. Having a mind blank here.

My brother, who is a police officer, says that picks are in the same class as utility knifes, diamond drill bits, etc. They're items that raise suspicion. Nobody has any reason to carry them on their person in public, unless their job requires them to do so.
The question came up when a friend of mine carried a box cutter around her neck when going to and from work. If she was to be pulled over by the police, she'd be charged with carrying a weapon. If it's for work purposes, it's supposed to stay at your place of work. Same for residential items.

[MacGyver101]

Do I even need to jump in here?

Do not pick locks you do not own, do not pick locks in use.

With respect, I don't think he was suggesting doing either of those things? He was asking if he was breaking the law by carrying lockpicks in a way that didn't suggest a criminal intent (e.g., driving over to his local LSI meeting).

I'm not a lawyer, so I can't comment on what would be sufficient to establish "intent" in a case like this... but, like most things, it would likely come down to the attitude of the officer you're talking to, what you tell them, and whether they feel you're doing something suspicious.

[Wizer]

My opinion is that the law should be same for people who can talk nicely and for those who can´t.
It should not be up to the officer enforcing the law nor a citizen with good or bad explanation.
...Just my 0.02 euros..

[MacGyver101]

My opinion is that the law should be same for people who can talk nicely and for those who can´t.

Couldn't agree with you more.

[unlisted]

My opinion is that the law should be same for people who can talk nicely and for those who can´t.

Couldn't agree with you more.

I agree as well, but the OP did post this in the first thread:

Thank you, I know laws are made to mess with you. Just needed some clarification.