Lock Picks Legal

[MeRZHiN]

somethign not right in that post chrispy, how the hell can they hear a pin click with x-ray VISION? just messing around again

[strazzere]

I must agree with what most of you said. It's up to the cop at the time. While the law get fuzzy in most states, as in massachusetts it's illegal if you have intent to break the law.

I've been stopped twice while picking locks for friends/family and with proper identification and explaination let off the hook. Each time they warned me they could confiscate the lock picks. Each time I've explained that thier lt. explained to me they are not illegal to carry (grants this often gets them more angry).

While i legally believe they can't take them, unless I am doing something illegal, the sad part is most cops can do what they want. Who is going to believe an 18 year old with no license over a vet. cop? Also, if they were taken away, sure I could fight them and win. Would I want to spend the money? Not unless the cop was a jerk... Takes less than five dollars to make new picks (plus it's a good push to make new picks )

[Minion]

Well, 5 dollars if you have the equipment to grind away with.

[Krypos]

so...im sure this is the wrong place to ask this, but where is a good place to get decent noobie locks and picks? im real new, just wondering if the picks can like, only be bought online or does like home depot have a shady little corner kinda deal? and when you talk about buying locks, do you mean like getting a lock that you would use to replace like your front door deadbolt or what?

as i said, im sure this is the wrong place to ask, so ANYONE is welcome to gently direct me in the right direction. or just answer the question...either way thanks!

[CVScam]

I was reading some of the other posts and in Ohio when I have tried calling the attorney general's office to ask a legal question she told me quote "we don't give free legal advice go ask an attorney." If a policeman stoped me and asked me about my picks I would say they are tools of my trade for repossing a car.

[Mr. Lock Pick]

just call a lock smith he might be able to tell you.

[donfaillo]

zekeo:


Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I'd forgotten all about this post until someone informed me of it who did a yahoo search under my nickname and I reviewed it. It's been a whole year. Wow! Anyway, yes you are correct. In Oregon, a police officer does not need any cause, whatsoever, to approach an individual and talk to them if he sees them walking around on foot. It's the same right that any other citizen has driving around in their cars. You can pull over and ask them to talk to you, but they have the right to ignore you and walk away if they want to. Most people, however, automatically assume that they're in trouble for something and voluntarily engage in conversation, which will usually lead to a request for identification.
Probable cause is a in that it gives the officer the right to lock you up and throw you in jail whether you're guilty or not! So yes, the best advice is to keep one's indiscretions out of sight and out of mind. And if one does carry lock-picking tools, as you said, it would be advisable to carry a practice lock with it in order to establish reasonable doubt. Thank you for the advice and clarification.

Michael