Attorney General of Kansas — Opinion
September 26, 1994
Re: Crimes and Punishments; Kansas Criminal Code; Prohibited Conduct — Crimes Against the Public Safety; Weapons Control — Criminal Use of Weapons
Synopsis: Purchase, sale and possession of tear gas or pepper mace devices for purposes of self-defense under K.S.A. 21-3211 is not proscribed by K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-4201(a)(3). Cited herein: K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-3211; 21-4201.
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Robert T. Stephan, Attorney General
The Honorable Jim D. Garner State Representative, Eleventh District 601 East 12th, P.O. Box 538 Coffeyville, Kansas 67337
Dear Representative Garner:
You request our opinion regarding the legality of buying, selling and possessing tear gas or pepper mace devices for personal safety purposes in light of K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-4201(a)(3).
K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-4201(a)(3) provides as follows:
“(a) Criminal use of weapons is knowingly:
. . . .
“(3) carrying on one’s person or in any land, water or air vehicle, with intent to use the same unlawfully, a tear gas or smoke bomb or projector or any object containing a noxious liquid, gas or substance;”
This provision does not prohibit the sale, purchase or possession of the listed items, but rather the carrying of such items. Compare K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-4201(a)(1), (6), (7), (8), (9). Further, one element of the offense is “intent to use the same unlawfully.” See e.g. State v.Lassley, 218 Kan. 752, 754 (1976). Pursuant to K.S.A. 21-3211, use of force to protect one’s person is not unlawful in certain circumstances. Therefore, purchase, sale and possession of tear gas or pepper mace devices for purposes of self-protection under K.S.A. 21-3211 is not proscribed by K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 21-4201(a)(3). We note, however, that there may be local ordinances prohibiting the possession of such items.
Very truly yours,
ROBERT T. STEPHAN Attorney General of Kansas
Julene L. Miller Deputy Attorney General
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