Possession of a Knife

For a free initial consultation on dealing with a charge of possession of a knife, please contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

Need immediate legal support for a knife possession arrest? Our accredited Police Station Representatives and solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year using the emergency numbers listed at the top of the page.

Our expertise with charges for carrying a knife

JD Spicer Zeb has represented clients in relation to all types of criminal charges, including for possession of knives, for more than 40 years. This experience means we understand exactly how these charges work and what is needed for an effective defence.

We can offer effective representation for weapons offences including:

• Carrying a knife in public without a good reason
• Carrying a banned type of knife
• Using any type of knife in a threatening way

We represent clients in courts of all levels and work with leading criminal defence barristers specialising in weapons offences, so should your case go to trial, we can make sure you have the best available representation.

What to do if you are arrested for carrying a knife

Being arrested can be scary and confusing, so it is easy to make mistakes in the way you talk to police that could significantly harm your defence later. However, remembering your legal rights can help you to avoid such mistakes and the risk of undermining your case.

The key points to remember are:

1. You do not have to answer any questions asked by the police. Whether to do so or not requires a thorough understanding of your case and how the criminal justice system works. Legal advice should be taken before saying anything.
2. You should never answer any police questions without a solicitor present.
3. You have the right to free legal representation.
4. You can use the duty solicitor available or choose your own lawyer.

When arresting you, the police must tell you the specific offence you are accused of committing and they are required to caution you using the words:

“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

Following a police interview for possession of a knife, one of the following will happen:

• You are released with no further action
• You are released under investigation
• You are detained in custody
• You are charged with a specific offence

If you are charged with carrying a knife or a related offence:

• A hearing date will be set
• You will either be:
  • Released on bail
  • Kept in custody until your court hearing

Should you be released under investigation or with no further action, you can be rearrested or summonsed to attend a court hearing at any time.

What types of knives are banned in the UK?

Various types of knives and other bladed weapons are banned in the UK, including:

• Butterfly knives
• Flick knives
• Gravity knives
• Zombie knives
• Disguised knives
• Swords (except for certain limited exceptions)
• Sword sticks

A more comprehensive list can be found on the government’s website.

Penalties for possession of a knife

The maximum sentence on conviction for an adult carrying a knife is 4 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

If you are over 18 and are found to have been threatening someone with a knife or have been caught repeatedly carrying a knife, you will face a minimum sentence of six months in prison.

For anyone aged 16-17, the minimum sentence is a four month detention and training order.

What defence is there if you are charged with carrying a knife?

The possible defences for carrying a knife will depend on your circumstances, so you should seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible if you are charged with possession of a knife.

One of the main defences for carrying a knife in public is where you can show that you had good reasons for doing so. Examples of good reasons include:

• Where you are taking a knife you use at work to or from work
• Where you will be using the knife for a theatrical, film or television production
• Where you are taking the knife to a gallery of museum to exhibit it

We have a detailed understanding of the laws around knife possession and the available defences, so can ensure all options are considered and that you have the best chances of avoiding charges or a conviction, or securing the minimum possible penalties on conviction.

Contact our criminal defence lawyers today

For a free initial consultation, urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about an arrest or charges related to possession of a knife, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact our dedicated criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333
• City of London: 0207 624 7771 (our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City)

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for knife possession charges

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our expert criminal defence solicitors, as well as immediate representation and advice on dealing with an arrest or charges connected to carrying a knife.

We are available to represent clients all over England and Wales at any time, so please contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556.

This document does not constitute legal advice.