22-14-6.   Possession of controlled weapon--Felony--Exceptions. Any person who knowingly possesses a controlled weapon is guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, the provisions of this section do not apply to any person who:

             (1)      Is a law enforcement officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or South Dakota National Guard acting in the lawful discharge of duties;

             (2)      Has a valid state or federal license issued pursuant to law for such weapon or has registered such weapon with the proper state or federal authority pursuant to law;

             (3)      Possesses a controlled weapon briefly after having found it or taken it from an offender; or

             (4)      Possesses a controlled weapon, except a machine gun or short shotgun, under circumstances which negate any purpose or likelihood that the weapon would be used unlawfully.

Source: SL 1976, ch 158, § 14-2; SL 1977, ch 189, § 27; SL 2005, ch 120, § 244.

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