Is an ASP legal in the state of Washington?

April 27, 2017, 07:04 PM

I think the answer is yes from my interpretation of RCW 9.41.270 which reads in part:

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.270

I'll be in Vancouver next week for a conference, I plan to carry one of these (hidden in my shorts) for dog repellent while jogging:

http://www.galls.com/asp-16-co...-on-expandable-baton

As long as I don't "...intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons..." can I carry a concealed ASP in WA?

April 27, 2017, 08:18 PM

Fenris

Is that an expanded baton in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?

The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People again must learn to work, instead of living on public assistance. ~ Cicero 55 BC

The Dhimocrats love America like ticks love a hound.

April 28, 2017, 09:16 PM

Rexster

Look for the Definitions section, or something like it, in the WA statutes, and see the definition of "club." If there is no definition, start poring through the law books for a precedent-setting case.

In Texas, FWIW, an ASP baton is, indeed, a club. Baton = Club. Same-Same. Being collapsible does not alter this. WA, of course, may vary from Texas in this regard.

Then, there is the matter of intimidating and alarming. Again, look for case law, if there are no clear definitions in the statutes.

Actually, if unsure, I think I could survive a weekend without going jogging.