Ways To Avoid Brass Knuckle Laws. I don't plan on using them, I'm just a collector (and creator, obviously). This issue can be further complicated by the definition of concealed, which can vary from state to state as well. 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. The law in Oklahoma explicitly bars people from carrying brass knuckles on their person, purse, or in any other containerconcealed or unconcealed; failure to abide by this can lead to a misdemeanor conviction and face a fine between $100250 and up to thirty days in jail for the first offense and a fine between $250500 and between thirty days and three months in jail. There are state and federal laws about brass knuckles that people are required to understand and observe. This can lead to increased penalties, including time in prison between two and ten years. The dubious nature of brass knuckles' legality is because the law does not specifically enumerate their status. As of September 1st, 2019, it is legal in Texas to possess and brass knuckles for self-defense purposes. Brass knuckles are metal gloves with protruding knuckles, which can be used for striking an opponent. Please check official sources. They can change periodically, too. The use of brass knuckles has been illegal in the United States since the early 20th century. However, they are considered deadly weapons, so using them during the commission of a crime can lead to additional charges and punishments. However, one may possess brass knuckles for lawful purposes such as for theater productions, personal collections, or other educational or entertainment purposes. This act also repeals prior prohibitions set for firearm silencers and switchblade knives. 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. Stay up to date on the latest news and events. If someone is threatening you or your family, you may need to use brass knuckles to protect yourself. G.(1) The provisions of this Section except Paragraph (4) of Subsection A shall not apply to sheriffs and their deputies, state and city police, constables and town marshals, or persons vested with police power when in the actual discharge of official duties. Brass knuckles are legal in Wisconsin with a permit. 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. 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. New Jersey 15. Seems to me that this would get you in trouble more than it would help with self defense. Carrying brass knuckles or any concealed weapon without a permit is a misdemeanor in Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. J. Never let children play with brass knuckles. Brass knuckles are illegal in Oklahoma. These provisions shall not apply to sheriffs and their deputies and state and city police who are not actually discharging their official duties, provided that such persons are full time, active, and certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and have on their persons valid identification as duly commissioned law enforcement officers. Brass knuckles are illegal in Pennsylvania. The sale or possession of brass knuckles is a class B misdemeanor in Delaware and carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,150. 38: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019. The penalties associated with a misdemeanor conviction include incarceration for up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000. 11.61.210: A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree if the person manufactures, possesses, transports, sells, or transfers metal knuckles.. Congress has been kicking around legislation since 2015 that would make it legal for residents of one state to carry concealed weapons in other states if they have permits in their home states, but the federal government hasnt yet gotten officially involved in the issue. This means that you are taking on the risk when youre buying and carrying brass knuckles. One may carry brass knuckles in a concealed manner unless they are being concealed with the intent to harm. When they hit someone, they can cause serious injuries, including broken bones. Vermont 21. In North Dakota, a class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 360 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit the carrying of a concealed handgun by a person who is a college or university police officer under the provisions of R.S. You must be the legal age of 21 or older. H. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit active justices or judges of the supreme court, courts of appeal, district courts, parish courts, juvenile courts, family courts, city courts, federal courts domiciled in the state of Louisiana, and traffic courts, constables, coroners, district attorneys and designated assistant district attorneys, United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys and investigators, and justices of the peace from possessing and concealing a handgun on their person when the justice or judge, constable, coroner, district attorneys and designated assistant district attorneys, United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys and investigators, or justices of the peace are certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Brass knuckles are illegal in Oregon. Brass knuckles are illegal in Washington. In the United States, it is illegal to carry brass knuckles in 21 states. 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. Georgia 3. In South DAmato, Indiana, Louisiana, Arizona, Idaho, Ohio, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Iowa, Utah, Michigan, and Montana, the law is unclear. Views on this weapon differ from one state to the next. If it is self-defense, then you are usually free to use your brass knuckles. 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. Ohio 14. It is important to know the law in your state before carrying brass knuckles. 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. Florida 5. They are: Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. In the United States, brass knuckles are generally considered as weapons and as such, can require a permit for ownership or carrying. The retired law enforcement officer must be qualified annually in the use of firearms by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and have proof of such qualification. The law bars the manufacturing, possession, repair, transportation, and sale of brass knuckles. Still, brass knuckles fall under Utah's law barring the threat or use of dangerous weapons in a fight and is a class A misdemeanor. Some companies will try to suggest theyre pieces of art, and therefore sell them as a piece of jewelry such as a necklace. Is a permit required to carry brass knuckles. However, one cannot carry concealed brass knuckles. In the United States, there are no federal laws regulating brass knuckles; however, there are various states, county, and city laws that prohibit their sale or possession. Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. Assaulting a person with them intentionally is illegal, and serious legal consequences will follow. In most states, brass knuckles are illegal to possess, carry, or sell. ago For a less than deadly optionduh pull your gun and don't fire it, go to jail for RS 40:1382 and RS 14:37 BugTurds 6 mo. Alabama 2. All rights reserved. Brass knuckles are legal in South Carolina. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a Class A misdemeanor. Then there are those gray-area states. Two sections of Maine's criminal code cover brass knuckles, so their possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. This is because brass knuckles concentrate the force of your punch into a small area, which can easily break your fingers. 766, 1; Acts 2006, No. In California and Florid they are completely illegal. ago Late to the party, from New Orleans. Anyone who unlawfully conceals brass knuckles can be held guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Brass knuckles are illegal in Washington. However, using them can still result in a felony charge. 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. Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Illegal carrying of weapons LSA-R.S. Brass knuckles are illegal in Kansas. Brass knuckles are strictly prohibited in Tennessee. Some states define a weapon as concealed if even a portion of it is hidden from sight such as because only one end of the knuckles is tucked into a pocket. Brass knuckles are not illegal in Connecticut; however, it is illegal to carry them concealed. These weapons have been around since ancient times and were traditionally used by warriors in close combat before the advent of firearms; however, they are still often seen today as a symbol of power and intimidation. F. The enhanced penalty upon second, third, and subsequent convictions shall not be applicable in cases where more than five years have elapsed since the expiration of the maximum sentence, or sentences, of the previous conviction or convictions, and the time of the commission of the last offense for which he has been convicted; the sentence to be imposed in such event shall be the same as may be imposed upon a first conviction. Brass knuckles can typically be purchased at markets or from companies that make belt buckles and other metal goods (where legal). The law in Montana does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. In Georgia, brass knuckles are legal to own and carry. Montana 8. As of 2019, a permit is no longer required to carry concealed weapons in Kentucky, this includes brass knuckles. Utah law does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. 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. 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.