The answer is yes, you can use brass knuckles for self defense. Views on this weapon differ from one state to the next. Brass knuckles are illegal in Oklahoma. Brass knuckles are legal in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This law is specific to brass knuckles. Several states have also passed laws banning brass knuckles. This means that you are taking on the risk when youre buying and carrying brass knuckles. Two sections of Maine's criminal code cover brass knuckles, so their possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Ive been doing research online about the legality of brass knuckles in Louisiana and have been getting mixed answers. I've been wanting to make a pair of knuckle dusters out of some spare wood I have lying around. Failure to adhere to this law results in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in prison. Can you use brass knuckles for self defense? The law does add that any similar instrument by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon the person or property of any other person, commits a Class B misdemeanor. There are countries outside of the US where possession, trading or buying them is against the law completely. Minnesota 11. (2) Whoever commits the crime of illegal carrying of weapons with any firearm used in the commission of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. You could be sentenced to prison, probation, or a fine. The law made it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute brass knuckles. Charges might be either a misdemeanor or a felony in these jurisdictions, depending on the nature of any crime in which the knuckles were used. Brass knuckles are illegal in the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Texas. It's illegal to bring a deadly weapon to schools, polling places, nuclear power facilities, or hydroelectric power facilities. However, brass knuckles can be considered a dangerous weapon; therefore, it is up to the courts to determine this and how the knuckles were used, and if the owner had criminal intent. Unlawfully possessing brass knuckles is a class A misdemeanor. 21, 1; Acts 1958, No. If you are charged with possession of brass knuckles or arethe victim of a brass knuckle-related crime, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Never use brass knuckles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. What are brass Knuckles? In fact, theyre sometimes sold as jewelry, ornaments and accessories. You can be held liable if someone is hurt or for property damage resulting of the use of your brass knuckles. His exact words: "Let's start a You save $20.00 (28%) Heavy Duty Solid Metal 45th President Trump Knuckles. Beverly Bird is a practicing paralegal who has been writing professionally on legal subjects for over 30 years. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in New Jersey. Based on the leadership principles of George Washington, we provide citizens, voters, and elected officials with the information, insights, and tools that amplify democracy in the modern age. If one conceals brass knuckles on their person or in their vehicle it is a misdemeanor and one faces up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Brass Knucklesare illegal in most US States. Louisiana - Brass knuckles are legal in Louisiana but must be carried openly . Failure to adhere to this law results in a misdemeanor leading to fines of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in prison. However, they likely fall under Idaho's "deadly weapons" definition of a device designed to cause death or serious injury or that the carrier intends to use for violence. It is also illegal to sell or give brass knuckles to a minor. However, using them can still result in a felony charge. Brass knuckles are legal in some states and illegal in others. Although injuries from brass knuckles are usually serious but non-fatal, there are some cases where the use of brass knuckles has resulted in death. Brass knuckles can typically be purchased at markets or from companies that make belt buckles and other metal goods (where legal). So, at the show today I see this lady selling these electro-zap stun gun things that are shaped like a pair of brass knuckles except they are made of plastic. The use of brass knuckles has been illegal in the United States since the early 20th century. An attorney can assist in resolving any legal issues you may be facing. You can explore additional available newsletters here. As of September 1st, 2019, it is legal in Texas to possess and brass knuckles for self-defense purposes. Brass knuckles are legal in Texas. For example, in Arizona, brass knuckles can be used in self-defense, but they cannot be used to commit a robbery. It is up to the courts to determine if your brass knuckles qualify as a weapon on a case by case basis. Many states have it written as metallic knuckles or just metal knuckles. Anyone who unlawfully conceals brass knuckles can be held guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Under the Michigan Penal Code, possession of brass knuckles is a felony, meaning any time to be served would be in prison, not jail. (3)(a) The provisions of this Section except Paragraph (4) of Subsection A shall not apply to active or retired reserve or auxiliary law enforcement officers qualified annually by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and who have on their person valid identification as active or retired reserve law or auxiliary municipal police officers. Brass knuckles are illegal in Tennessee. Being struck with brass knuckles can inflict broken bones, cuts, concussions, and injuries to the eyes and nose. Louisiana allows the carrying of concealed weapons, such as brass knuckles, as long as the individual has a legal permit to carry a concealed weapon. Hawaii 4. Texas updated its law in 2019. Brass knuckles are legal in Montana. A conviction of a class B misdemeanor comes with a fine of up to $2,500. They are often used in fights and can result in broken bones, cuts, and even death. They are illegal to possess in some states, while others have no restrictions. Failing to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and three years in prison. This act also repeals prior prohibitions set for firearm silencers and switchblade knives. 515, 1; Acts 2006, No. However, this Subsection shall not apply to a retired justice or judge who is medically retired based upon any mental impairment. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were. Utah law does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. They are completely illegal in some states for example, you cannot sell, possess or use brass knuckles in Illinois, Vermont, California or Michigan. Just because there are companies selling brass knuckles in areas where theyre illegal or a grey line, doesnt mean you arent held responsible for buying them. This is because brass knuckles concentrate the force of your punch into a small area, which can easily break your fingers. Maryland 8. If one conceals brass knuckles without a permit, they can be convicted of a class I misdemeanor and face a punishment of imprisonment up to one year and a fine up to $1,000. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. While they used to be banned, a 2019 law legalized the possession of brass knuckles and their use in self-defense situations. In some states, such as Georgie, concealed weapons are legal to carry with a permit. The seventeen states where brass knuckles are legal with a permit are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Also called "knuckle dusters" and "knucks," brass knuckles were often attached to knives used in trench warfare in World War I and World War II. However, as brass knuckles are considered deadly weapons, it is a misdemeanor to carry them concealed. Your email address will not be published. It is illegal to not inform a police officer who stops you that you are carrying a concealed knife that is not a pocketknife. I. In most states, brass knuckles are illegal to possess, carry, or sell. Brass knuckles are legal in Utah. Its a misdemeanor to simply possess brass knuckles in Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Vermont whether theyre concealed or not, and to sell or carry them in New Hampshire. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $750 and up to six months in prison. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge. If you decide to use brass knuckles for self defense, it is important to know the law in your state. The punishment for unlawful possession of brass knuckles is up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Under brass knuckles laws in Florida, Maryland, Mississippi and New Mexico, fines can also be $1,000 but with as long as three years in prison. Legal Definition Of Notwithstanding Clause. We DO NOT sell this product due to California's strict ban on Brass Knuckles. Of course, anyone charged with any of these crimes wont want to handle the charges without the representation of an attorney. Brass knuckles are legal in Delaware if one has a permit. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in Rhode Island. 608, 1; Acts 2003, No. Carrying or owning brass knuckles is illegal in Illinois, and using brass knuckles to injure is a felony charge. Illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities LSA-R.S. Oregon 15. Brass knuckles are illegal in Missouri. 647, 1; Acts 1975, No. In Alabama, brass knuckles are regulated to the same extent as slingshots, and anyone who unlawfully concealed carries brass knuckles can be fined between $50500 and spend up to six months in jail. 36. However, because they are considered to be a deadly weapon, as it is designed for lethal use, the presence of brass knuckles can increase fines and other penalties when present during the commission of a crime. Still other states base their laws on how and why brass knuckles are being carried or used, and some determine whether theyre legal or not based on whether the individual in possession of the weapon is a minor. In Minnesota, brass knuckles are illegal. #2. In some states, brass knuckles are completely illegal, while other states have very specific laws governing their use and possession. Brass knuckles are not illegal in Connecticut; however, it is illegal to carry them concealed. Please check official sources. However, one cannot carry concealed brass knuckles. Keep them out of reach of children, and never use them under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If one is caught with brass knuckles with unlawful intent, the punishment increases to a fine of $15,000 and three to five years in prison. J. It is the responsibility of the end user to check their local and state laws to determine legality. Louisiana 7. Like any dangerous weapon, brass knuckles always have the potential to hurt others, whether purposely or accidentally. Follow your state's brass knuckle laws. In Arizona, individuals over 21 can legally carry a concealed firearm or deadly weapon without a permit. Montana, which has no specific statutes regarding brass knuckles. Louisiana Laws Search - Louisiana State Legislature Search Louisiana Laws Table of Contents Amendments to the LA Constitution of 1974 Law-Related Links Search Louisiana Laws Laws have been updated through the December 2022 Elections. Since there is no federal law on brass knuckles, keeping track of all state laws on knuckle dusters may be difficult. The provisions of this Section prohibiting the possession of firearms and carrying concealed weapons by persons who have been convicted of, or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity for, certain felonies shall not apply to any person who has not been convicted of, or who has not been found not guilty by reason of insanity for, any Ohio 14. Brass knuckles were prohibited in Missouri until 2022. If youre wondering if brass knuckles are legal in your state still or what the consequences are of carrying, possession, using or selling is, then check current laws with your particular questions. Second, using brass knuckles for self defense can result in criminal charges. Brass knuckles are legal in Louisiana so long as the person carries a permit. In no way should this be used as the final information on the legal status of brass knuckles nor is this information intended to take the place of legal counsel or be looked at as being any form of legal advise. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor. Brass knuckles are not specifically labeled as a dangerous weapon under Indiana law; however, it is illegal to use them in an act of violence. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location, Begin typing to search, use arrow Weapons Universe: Brass Knuckles Information, Lindsey & Ferry: Brass Knuckles Are Not Just Made of Metal, GovTrack: H.R. There are a few exceptions to the ban. To apply for a permit, individuals must typically provide documentation such as proof of identity and legal residency in the US, payment of a fee, and any other paperwork specified by the issuing authority.