It’s not illegal to own a lock pick set. In fact, it’s not illegal to own any kind of lock opening device.
The only thing that makes lock picking illegal is the intent of its use. If you have a lock pick set and plan on using it to break into someone else’s home or car, then yes that would be considered illegal. If you have a lock pick set and plan on using it to open your own home or car, then no that would not be considered illegal.
The same applies for bump keys and other similar devices. It is not illegal to own or possess these items in most states, but if you use them for their intended purpose (i.e., breaking into someone else’s property), then that would be considered a crime.
However, if you use them for an unintended purpose (i.e., opening your own property), then there won’t be any legal consequences associated with owning these items.
But that being said every state has its own set of laws regarding the possession of lock pick sets, bump kits and related stuff.
In this article we will be discussing the law in these states regarding the matter of lock pick sets and bump keys.
Reasons to why it is illegal to own Lock Pick Sets & Bump Keys?
1. Criminal Intent
The reason that it’s illegal to own a lock pick set is because they’re often used by people who have no intention of breaking into cars or homes. The reason that it’s illegal to carry them around is because they’re often used by people who do have such intentions. Lock picking sets could be used by criminals as tools for breaking into places where they don’t belong and stealing things that don’t belong to them, but that doesn’t mean everyone who owns one is a criminal. A lot of people buy them simply because they’re curious about how locks work and want to learn how to pick them open (which can actually be useful if you ever lose your keys).
2. Violation of Law
The first reason is that it is a violation of federal law. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison to possess a firearm or ammunition. Possession of lock picks, bump keys, or other tools designed to open locks without the proper key or combination would be considered possession under this law because they can be used to enter a home without permission. The law does not require that you have actually used the tool for unlawful purposes; merely possessing them is enough for criminal charges.
3. Tools of Destruction & Theft
Another reason why it is illegal to own a lock pick set and bump keys is because they are considered tools of destruction and theft. This means that they are designed to break into things such as safes, doors, cars, etc. If someone were to use these tools in order to break into your house or car without permission, then that would be considered breaking and entering, which is a crime in virtually every state in the United States.
States Where it is illegal to Own Lock Pick Set & Bump Keys
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Virginia
State Regulations Regarding the Ownership of Lock Pick Sets & Bump Keys
Alabama
Possessing any instrument or device designed primarily for use in criminal activities, including theft or burglary, is prohibited by state law. This includes any instrument that can be used to pick locks or force open safes. The crime is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $500.
Arkansas
It’s illegal to possess a “device” designed primarily for use in committing crimes or evading detection while committing crimes. This includes any instrument that can be used to pick locks or force open safes.
California
California has laws prohibiting possession of burglar’s tools, which includes lock picks and bump keys. If you’re caught with them, you could be charged with a misdemeanor if there is any intent to use the tools for breaking into a building without a due permission.
New York
In New York, it is illegal to possess a key that can open more than one lock without permission from the manufacturer or owner of the locks. This law applies only if you intended to use the key for criminal purposes (such as breaking into cars).
Virginia
In Virginia, it is illegal for any person other than an authorized law enforcement officer to possess any instrument or tool designed to open any lock by means of manipulation unless he has a valid reason for possessing such instrument or tool.
Colorado
In Colorado, it is illegal to use a lock pick set on any locks except those on your own property or your landlord’s property. However, it is legal to possess a lock pick set if you are going to use them on your own property or your landlord’s property.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is legal to possess a lock pick set if you have the intent to use them on your own property or your landlord’s property. You cannot carry a lock pick set with you while driving or riding in a vehicle unless you have a valid license issued by the state police commissioner authorizing you to carry one with you while driving or riding in a vehicle (CGS § 29-38).
Michigan
In Michigan, it is legal to possess and use locksmith tools such as master keys, cylinder rekeying tools and metal detectors with no restrictions as long as they are not used for criminal purposes (MI Compiled Laws Annotated § 750.356).
Rhode Island
Rhode Island law allows the ownership of lock pick sets, as long as they are not used in the commission of a crime. Bump keys are legal to own in Rhode Island. The state has no laws regulating their possession or use. The only restriction is that you can’t use them for unlawful purposes. For example, if you’re going to break into someone’s house or car, then you’d be charged with burglary or theft.
Nevada
In Nevada, it is legal to own a lock pick set. As long as they are not used to commit a crime, they can be owned and used in the state. The same goes for bump keys. This is because they are not illegal to own. It is illegal to use a bump key or lock pick set to commit a crime in Nevada. If you use these tools to break into someone’s house or car, you could face serious charges and penalties.
Ohio
It is legal to own a set of lock picks in Ohio. In fact, most states do not make it illegal to own lock picks. The only exception is if you use them to commit a crime. Bump keys are legal to own as well, but they can only be used by locksmiths or those with a legitimate need for them (e.g., opening cars). If they are used by anyone other than these groups, they are considered contraband and illegal in Ohio.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, it is legal to Possess Lock Picks and Bump Keys. The possession of lock picks or bump keys alone does not constitute criminal intent. It is only when these items are used in an illegal manner that they become illegal. However, if you are caught using them during a burglary or other criminal activity, then you will be charged with the crimes in addition to possessing these tools.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, it is legal to own a lock pick set and bump keys. New Jersey law does not prohibit the possession of lock picks or bump keys. However, if you are using them for criminal purposes, such as burglary or breaking into cars, then you can be charged with theft by unlawful taking.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no law prohibiting the possession of lock picks or bump keys. This means that you can legally own them, but you cannot use them to attempt to break into a vehicle or building.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, it is legal for an individual to own a lock pick set and use it for legitimate purposes such as opening a locked door or container. The law does not permit individuals to use these tools for unlawful purposes such as breaking into someone else’s home or vehicle.
Conclusion
As you can see most state allow its residents to own a lock pick set and bump keys until there is no criminal intent behind it. They should not be used for theft or break into premises without authorization.
Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that this article is primarily for informational purposes. we don not claim to be lawyers or any authority responsible for rules regarding ownership of lock pick sets. We are simply stating the rules to you as set up by the relevant authorities which can change in the future.
You might want to check the official sources for accuracy before deciding to get any lock picking tools.
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