The states where brass knuckles are legal are Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 636, 1; Acts 1995, No. Several states have also passed laws banning brass knuckles. Failing to adhere to this law can result in a misdemeanor. Brass knuckles are not illegal in Oregon; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed. Brass knuckles, however, can be considered a deadly weapon, so one should use caution. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. What are brass Knuckles? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Unless in accordance with the Oklahoma Self Defense Act, it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon, including brass knuckles. (iii) Any person having the written permission of the principal or school board and engaged in competition or in marksmanship or safety instruction. Often, they are made of brass, chrome, or hard plastic. There is some ambiguity, though, as a law that took effect in 2021 no longer prohibits the concealed carrying of knives, razors, and other cutting instruments; this law also legalized the sale and possession of brass knuckles, among other items. Baton Rouge. Many brass knuckle laws were implemented in the mid- to late-1900s as these weapons became more popular, and the laws can vary considerably from state to state. Amended by Acts 1956, No. For example, states such as California, Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont prohibit the possession, sale, or use of brass knuckles. Ownership of brass knuckles with a valid permit is legally allowed in seventeen states, but there may be restrictions on where they can be carried or used often only within ones own home so it is important to check local laws before attempting to obtain one. Louisiana - Brass knuckles are legal in Louisiana but must be carried openly . Those states are Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington. In New Mexico, brass knuckles are legal with a permit. Brass knuckles can cause serious injury, so you should only use them as a last resort. Arizona 2. There are certain areas that concealed weapons permits are invalid as well, such as in airports, court houses and school zones. It is the responsibility of the end user to check their local and state laws to determine legality. Some states make a distinction based on the exact substance of the knuckles, such as whether theyre made of plastic or something harder and more dangerous. As a result, many people glamorize these dangerous weapons. In most states, brass knuckles are illegal to possess, carry, or sell. If the brass knuckles are only ornamental as a belt buckle and cannot be used as a weapon you may be ok, absent . In the United States, brass knuckles are generally considered as weapons and as such, can require a permit for ownership or carrying. Tennessee 20. Legal Status for Brass Knuckles in Pennsylvania, Laws Against Throwing Knives in California, World Population Review: Brass Knuckles Legality by State 2020, Krudo Knives: The Law Around Brass Knuckles. Under the law, one cannot use or possess brass knuckles. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to five years in prison. One of the most common restrictions is age. Failing to adhere the the state laws will result in either a misdemeanor and/or a felony charge. Brass knuckles are illegal out in public and on the streets they are identified with illegal guerrillas such as gangbangers, Knucks are legal for home defense though such as break ins or domestic violence directed by strangers or non-strangers, Lexan Knucks are a legal imitation they will hardly work for unarmed fighting, thank you, have a nice day, end of blog topic. 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 South Carolina 9. Brass knuckles are illegal in many countries, including Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. It is also illegal to sell or give brass knuckles to a minor. Those in violation of this law can be charged with either a misdemeanor, facing up to a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000, or a felony, up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000; whether one is charged with a felony or misdemeanor will depend on the facts of the case and the discretion of the prosecutor. Then there are those gray-area states. But some folks might be wondering, will brass knuckles break your fingers? Brass knuckles are illegal to possess, use, or sell in Vermont. 14:2(B), shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one year nor more than two years, or both. As used in this Subsection, a "rescue knife" is a folding knife, which can be readily and easily opened with one hand and which has at least one blade which is designed to be used to free individuals who are trapped by automobile seat belts, or at least one blade which is designed for a similar purpose. These states include: Brass knuckles are illegal in certain states, including: States laws that fall into a gray area include: The legality of brass knuckles is obviously a complicated issue that can depend on numerous factors, such as on which side of a state line someone is standing and what exactly the knuckles are being used for. 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. Different states have different laws about the legality of brass knuckles. The first offense is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 and the second and subsequent offenses are class I felonies where one could face up to three-and-one-half years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. 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. Search, Browse Law Brass knuckles are illegal in some states, but theyre legal in others. And carrying knuckles concealed without a permit escalates to a felony in Virginia for second time offenders. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in New Jersey. This includes selling, possessing, carrying, purchasing, manufacturing, repairing, and transporting brass knuckles, whether they are made from metal or plastic. Ways To Avoid Brass Knuckle Laws. Thank you in advance! In most states, you can get fined and/or get encarcerated. K.(1) The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit a retired justice or judge of the supreme court, courts of appeal, district courts, parish courts, juvenile courts, family courts, and city courts from possessing and concealing a handgun on their person provided that such retired justice or judge is certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and has on their person valid identification showing proof of their status as a retired justice or judge. There are 17 states that require a permit for brass knuckles. In Texas, it is illegal to carry a weapon, including brass knuckles, on your person. 924, 1; Acts 1999, No. Media and video games frequently feature criminals using brass knuckles, glamorizing them to some extent. Some companies will try to suggest theyre pieces of art, and therefore sell them as a piece of jewelry such as a necklace. The application process can take several days or weeks to complete depending on the jurisdiction, and sometimes fingerprinting and background checks are conducted before approval. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This is because brass knuckles concentrate the force of your punch into a small area, which can easily break your fingers. Business owners have the right to prohibit weapons inside their business regardless of whether an individual has a permit or not. Is it illegal to carry around brass knuckles? When you hit someone with brass knuckles, you are using a type of weapon that can cause serious damage. Brass knuckles are illegal in the District of Columbia. This means that you are taking on the risk when youre buying and carrying brass knuckles. This includes anything shaped like a brass knuckle, including jewelry, bags, pendants, or necklaces. Some states only ban metallic knuckles, while others ban hardened knuckles of any kind. 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. Other states, like South Carolina, make possession of brass knuckles illegal only if someone uses them with an intention to commit a crime. 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. June 12, 2022 | gosling's 151 dark and stormy | Category: . Materials that are used to make hardened knuckles include brass, steel, hard plastics, and acrylic. Brass Knuckles Laws By State Brass Knuckles are illegal in most US States. In Wyoming, brass knuckles are not illegal to possess, but it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon. If you decide to use brass knuckles for self defense, it is important to know the law in your state. Certain states will only ban metallic knuckles, but there are other states that will ban hardened knuckles of any kind no matter what type of material is used to make them. Even if they are not illegal in your state, you must still use extreme care when handling them. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were. Keep in mind that every state has their own definition of concealed. Doing so will result in being charged with a felony. Brass knuckles are metal gloves with protruding knuckles, which can be used for striking an opponent. The penalties for a class A misdemeanor include a jail sentence of up to eleven months and twenty-nine days and a fine of up to $2,500. 14:94 . New Mexico 11. Brass knuckles are illegal in New York. In Virginia, brass knuckles are legal with a permit. In Arizona, individuals over 21 can legally carry a concealed firearm or deadly weapon without a permit. Does anyone have a definitive answer on this. 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. Georgia 3. Brass knuckles are typically considered to be a deadly weapon. Can you use brass knuckles for self defense? Texas 11. This carries a punishment of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Seems to me that this would get you in trouble more than it would help with self defense. They are illegal to possess in some states, while others have no restrictions. These additional punishments include a mandatory five-year prison sentence on top of whatever penalties the underlying crime carries. It is important to know the law in your state before carrying brass knuckles. Its a felony in Delaware to carry brass knuckles without a concealed weapon permit, even for a first-time offense. Arizona 2. Carrying brass knuckles without a permit is punished depending on the frequency of violations: the first offense carries a fine up to $500 and/or up to six months imprisonment; the second conviction carries imprisonment with or without hard labor of up to five years; and the third offense and after carries imprisonment with or without hard labor up to ten years without parole/probation. They are completely illegal in some states for example, you cannot sell, possess or use brass knuckles in Illinois, Vermont, California or Michigan. Brass knuckles are legal in Iowa. Keep them out of reach of children, and never use them under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Principal's Message; About BAMS Course; Future After BAMS Course The 21 states where brass knuckles are illegal are Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington. In states where brass knuckles are legal, they can be used in self-defense, but they cannot be used to commit a crime. No matter where brass knuckles are considered legal, they almost always need a concealed carry license. Brass knuckles are not illegal in New Mexico; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit the ownership or possession of rescue knives by merchants who own or possess the knives solely as inventory to be offered for sale to commissioned full-time law enforcement officers. If convicted, one can face a jail sentence of at least fifteen days, but no more than 364 days, and a fine of up to $1,000. In addition, you may be subject to criminal charges if you use brass knuckles to injure someone. It is illegal to sell and carry brass knuckles in New Hampshire. Used on one or both hands, brass knuckles are illegal in most states. Brass knuckles are illegal in the state of Maine. Missouri 12. Manufacture, sale, or possession of brass knuckles are felony charges that lead to a fine of up to $2500 and imprisonment of up to five years. If convicted, the punishment is a fine between $501,000 and confinement in county jail between ninety days and one year. The use of brass knuckles has been illegal in the United States since the early 20th century. If one is caught unlawfully carrying brass knuckles, they can face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $500. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge. A 2015 court case, though, interpreted Iowa's dangerous weapons law to include brass knuckles, so the use of them during the commission of a crime would elevate the charges to an aggravated misdemeanor and can carry a punishment of up to two years in jail and a fine between $65625. Although the possession of a pair of brass knuckles is usually only penalized as a misdemeanor crime in states where they are against the law, using brass knuckles in a violent crime can often lead to felony charges. In Maryland, brass knuckles are not illegal in Maryland; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. Theres a legal divide in many states between simply possessing them and carrying them concealed on ones person. The greatest restrictions are in Minnesota, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Texas, Washington, Nevada, California and Arkansas. It is unlawful, though, to carry brass knuckles concealed on one's person. Outside the U.S., countries like Switzerland make buying, trading, or the possession of brass knuckles against the law. Copyright 2022, IsaLegal - All Rights Reserved. While one used to be required to obtain a permit to carry brass knuckles, a 2019 law allows any person over the age of twenty-one to conceal-carry weapons. 1. Virginia 16. New Hampshire 14. "School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities. Your email address will not be published. The penalty for possession of brass knuckles is a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. There are other states, such as South Carolina which only have brass knuckles labeled illegal if they are used with an intent to commit a crime. Alabama's Firearms and Weapons Law 13A-11-53 Brass knuckles and slingshots. Unlawfully possessing, distributing, or manufacturing brass knuckles is a gross misdemeanor. Massachusetts 9. In addition, they can also be used to commit crimes such as robbery or assault. Justia US Law US Codes and Statutes Louisiana Laws 2017 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes TITLE 14 - Criminal Law RS 14:95 - Illegal carrying of weapons There is a newer version of this Statute. This issue can be further complicated by the definition of concealed, which can vary from state to state as well. These weapons are nothing new. They are designed so that the users punch has a more concentrated force with a smaller and harder contact point. Brass knuckles are not illegal in North Dakota; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed on ones person or in ones car without a permit. South Dakota 10. In North Dakota, a class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 360 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000. Brass knuckles are legal in Hawaii, but it is unlawful to carry concealed brass knuckles. GovTrack reports that the likelihood of such legislation actually passing is 2%. Under Pennsylvania law, brass knuckles are offensive weapons and their possession can lead to a first-degree misdemeanor conviction. Mississippi 9. I've been wanting to make a pair of knuckle dusters out of some spare wood I have lying around. Brass knuckles are strictly prohibited in Tennessee. It is completely illegal to own brass knuckles in District of Columbia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, New York, and Colorado. B. In Minnesota, brass knuckles are illegal. Florida 5. 38, 1; Acts 1992, No. Ive been doing research online about the legality of brass knuckles in Louisiana and have been getting mixed answers. There are a few exceptions to the ban. In states where brass knuckles are not illegal, their use and possession may be regulated. You can also not possess devices that look like brass knuckles such as plastic knuckles. However, just because companies are selling them as jewelry does not mean you wont get charged for them as a deadly weapon if you use possess or use them. View a Specific Law: Search: select one or more law bodies: search for: Examples Disclaimer Brass knuckles are presumed legal in Idaho. She specializes in family law and estate law and has mediated family custody issues. Almost everyone knows what brass knuckles are, and theyre also called knuckle dusters and knucks. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit the sale of rescue knives to commissioned full-time law enforcement officers. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor. I don't plan on using them, I'm just a collector (and creator, obviously). There are many conflicting articles out there, but the fact is that it depends on where you are. There are state and federal laws about brass knuckles that people are required to understand and observe. However, they are considered deadly weapons, so using them during the commission of a crime can lead to additional charges and punishments. In this article, were going to take a more in depth look of the legality of brass knuckles. New York 16. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 143, 1; Acts 1995, No. Cookie Notice Brass knuckles are not illegal in Connecticut; however, it is illegal to carry them concealed. The active or retired reserve or auxiliary municipal police officer shall be qualified annually in the use of firearms by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and have proof of such certification. Brass knuckles are illegal in Tennessee. The simple answer is yes, brass knuckles can easily break your fingers if youre not careful. Washington. Brass knuckles are legal in some states and illegal in others. However, one may possess brass knuckles for lawful purposes such as for theater productions, personal collections, or other educational or entertainment purposes. There are countries outside of the US where possession, trading or buying them is against the law completely. Note:Illegal to carry them concealed without a license and/or permit. 738, 1; Acts 1999, No. You must be the legal age of 21 or older. (ii) A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee. Brass knuckles are legal to own in Nebraska; however, they are illegal to carry concealed unless the individual has a license or permit to do so. The punishment for a class A misdemeanor includes up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Required fields are marked *. The Texas Department of Public Safety says 93 people were convicted for violating the brass knuckle ban in 2017. It's illegal to bring a deadly weapon to schools, polling places, nuclear power facilities, or hydroelectric power facilities. In Delaware, it is illegal to carry brass knuckles without a concealed carry permit. In the event you are in such a situation, consider contacting a qualifiedcriminal defense attorneynear you. Brass knuckles are legal in Arizona. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Utah law does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Other previous versions. Any sentence issued pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph and any sentence issued pursuant to a violation of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. Brass knuckles of any type and material are prohibited in Illinois. They are considered a weapon and can be charged with a felony. 953, 1; Acts 2003, No. Illegally carrying brass knuckles is a misdemeanor; however, using them in a violent crime can lead to felony charges. Firms, Complaint For Loss Due To Product Defect and For Discovery, What it means to be charged with violating your state's brass knuckle law, including elements of the crime, potential defenses, and negotiating any possible plea deal, If you or a loved one has been the victim of brass knuckle violence, whether you can recover damages from the assailants, their employers, or a third party that may have had a duty to prevent brass weapons from being used. Working for the people of Alabama. Iowa 7. In North Carolina, brass knuckles are not illegal; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. Under the law, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell brass knuckles; to do so is a class A misdemeanor. This includes anything shaped like a brass knuckle, including jewelry, bags, pendants, or necklaces. It is up to the courts to determine if your brass knuckles qualify as a weapon on a case by case basis. In some states, such as California, brass knuckles are only illegal if they are specifically designed to cause injury. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. In Rhode Island, brass knuckles are illegal. However, using them is considered a violent crime which is often followed by felony charges. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. In Colorado, penalties can involve fines of $1,000 and as long as a year in prison. 1. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge. Nebraska 10. Previously, carrying or possession was a misdemeanor punishable up to $4,000 in fines or up to one year in jail. This exception shall not apply to such officers who are medically retired based upon any mental impairment. 1017, 1; Acts 1993, No. They are completely illegal in some states for example, you cannot sell, possess or use brass knuckles in Illinois, Vermont, California or Michigan. 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. When they hit someone, they can cause serious injuries, including broken bones. Since there is no federal law on brass knuckles, keeping track of all state laws on knuckle dusters may be difficult. Please check with your local authorities to obtain the latest up-to-date information on the legality ofbrass knuckles in your area. New Jersey 15. Is it illegal to carry around brass knuckles? 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. 1064, 1; Acts 1999, No. Breaking this law lands an individual in either California State Prison or Jail. If one unlawfully conceals brass knuckles, they may be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington. Brass knuckles are legal in Texas. Second, using brass knuckles for self defense can result in criminal charges. In Alaska, brass knuckles are illegal. In other states, such as Texas, they are illegal regardless of design. 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. You have to know the laws of your area before purchasing any weapon, and brass knuckles are no different. Brass knuckles are legal in Indiana, both the possession of and carrying. Brass knuckles are typically treated like other weapons such as knives and firearms in other countries. View our newest version here . (b) The provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to: (i) A peace officer as defined by R.S. Views on this weapon differ from one state to the next. Jan 30, 2010. Brass knuckles are also legal in South Dakota. 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. And it doesnt necessarily stop at the state level, because some localities have brass knuckle laws all their own. This includes brass knuckles that are used as jewelry, accessories, or anything else exhibiting them. It is up to the courts to determine if your brass knuckles qualify as a weapon on a case by case basis. In the United States, brass knuckles are legal, with or without a permit, in most states. Brass knuckles usually have a single protruding spike or stud on the outer side of each hole, and some versions also feature multiple spikes jutting out from all sides for additional protection and damage potential. It can go either way in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota and Tennessee. Of these twenty nine states where brass knuckles are legal, the twelve states where brass knuckles are legal without a permit are Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. 46804. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Brass knuckles can be very dangerous and can cause serious injury. You can also not possess devices that look like brass knuckles such as plastic knuckles.