Question about lockpicking law

[djslacker]

Ok, I've got a question about the laws regarding lockpicking. I probably haven't fully thought this through, but here it goes. Why is it illegal to own a typical lockpicking kit, but it's not illegal to own a vehicle pick set??

[mrdan]

Ok, I've got a question about the laws regarding lockpicking. I probably haven't fully thought this through, but here it goes. Why is it illegal to own a typical lockpicking kit, but it's not illegal to own a vehicle pick set??

Wel actually, It is perfectly legal to own any picks or locksmithing equipment.

At least not in CA. The illegal part is when the intent to commit a crime comes into play. I can walk right up to a cop and aske him what he thinks of the picks I just made. But until he can prove that I have the intent to commit a crime all he can legally do is ask me to put them away.

[mrdan]

Oopse!! dang spelling errors!

[djslacker]

So it's legal to own a picking set as long as you don't commit a crime with it?? So owning one so that you can help out a friend who locked his keys in his house is OK??

[mrdan]

So it's legal to own a picking set as long as you don't commit a crime with it?? So owning one so that you can help out a friend who locked his keys in his house is OK??

Make shure that your state or municipality doesn't have a funky law. I can only speak about the state I live in because I looked it up.

And it is not just the commision of a crime but the intent to do so.

Basically LOOK IT UP. DO RESEARCH! Find your state or municipalities law regarding lock picks and locksmithing tools and print it up and carry it with you so you can show it to anyone who asks. Mostly don't do anything dumb.