Possession of a Knife on School Property

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Sec. 2.5. (a) As used in this section, "knife" means an instrument that:

(1) consists of a sharp edged or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and

(2) is intended to be used as a weapon.

(b) The term includes a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade knife, or gravity knife.

(c) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possesses a knife on:

(1) school property (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-285);

(2) a school bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-8); or

(3) a special purpose bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-10);

commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under this section and a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury to another person.

(d) This section does not apply to a person who possesses a knife:

(1) if:

(A) the knife is provided to the person by the school corporation or possession of the knife is authorized by the school corporation; and

(B) the person uses the knife for a purpose authorized by the school corporation; or

(2) if the knife is secured in a motor vehicle.

As added by P.L.72-2006, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.114-2012, SEC.140; P.L.158-2013, SEC.592.


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