Connecticut Laws

[Maxian]

Hey, been reading the forum for a long time but this is my first post. I have seen the post with the exact laws pertaining to lock picking on the forum, but I would like to know exactly what it means, and how much it is enforced. So I am asking you all if anyone who lives in Connecticut can help me out with these laws. I have recently bought a lock pick set (and only plan to use it on locks I buy or that are on my house, or friends houses (with premision)) and am wondering exactly how much danger I am in legally. Should I not carry it around? If I am pulled over and the set is in the car in the open is it likely that I will be making a feild trip to the police station?

I obviosly dont want to get in any kind of trouble so I am trying to figure out my rights and what I can/cant do legally.

Thanks,
- Ian

[Eschatos]

As far as I understand, you may possess and carry with you a set of lockpicks or tools to open doors and other locks. Possessing these "burglary tools" is normally allowed; however, if you are found to be possessing these tools with criminal intent to USE them in order to illegally breach security, it is considered a misdemeanor.

Make sure you don't cross the NY line with these in your car, however, as they are illegal to simply posses in that state (This is a problem for me because I live seconds away from the border, and need to pass through the state to get to many places in CT.) So, having the lockpicks in your car doesn't seem to be a problem unless, say, you're pulled over for being in a stolen vehicle. Just don't give the police officer any reason to believe you were using them for criminal purposes.

[Maxian]

ah great, thanks

[hzatorsk]

As far as I understand, you may possess and carry with you a set of lockpicks or tools to open doors and other locks. Possessing these "burglary tools" is normally allowed; however, if you are found to be possessing these tools with criminal intent to USE them in order to illegally breach security, it is considered a misdemeanor.

Make sure you don't cross the NY line with these in your car, however, as they are illegal to simply posses in that state (This is a problem for me because I live seconds away from the border, and need to pass through the state to get to many places in CT.) So, having the lockpicks in your car doesn't seem to be a problem unless, say, you're pulled over for being in a stolen vehicle. Just don't give the police officer any reason to believe you were using them for criminal purposes.

Eschatos... I am not sure your advice is sound. I am certainly no attorney, nor am I familar with CT law... but the term "criminal intent" is generally associated with a felony charge. Intent to commit a felony is usually a felony. ...similar to intent to distribute (a felony) when it comes to possession of drugs in individually portions wrappers.