All disposals
Weapons· CJA 1988

Section 139 — Having an article with a blade or point in a public place

Offence to have any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed (other than a small folding pocket-knife with a cutting edge ≤ 3 inches) in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.

Penalty reference

Mode of trial
Either-way
Maximum penalty
4 years on indictment / unlimited fine.
Out-of-court eligibility
CR
Caution
Cond. Caution

Note: Adult, second knife offence: minimum 6 months custody (s.315 Sentencing Act 2020) unless particular circumstances make it unjust. Children: minimum 4-month DTO.

Triage the circumstances

Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.

Need a refresher on the terms? See the Glossary.