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. They should also look into the laws in any states theyre considering traveling to with their knuckles in tow. Brass Knuckles Laws By State Brass Knuckles are illegal in most US States. Though, in laws where you can get a permit to carry brass knuckles there are still laws on how they may be used. While they used to be banned, a 2019 law legalized the possession of brass knuckles and their use in self-defense situations. Kansas 7. View a Specific Law: Search: select one or more law bodies: search for: Examples Disclaimer 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. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in prison. You can also not possess devices that look like brass knuckles such as plastic knuckles. If one illegally possesses brass knuckles, they can be convicted of a fourth-degree crime and punished by up to eighteen months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Illinois 6. This includes selling, possessing, carrying, purchasing, manufacturing, repairing, and transporting brass knuckles, whether they are made from metal or plastic. 1195, 1; Acts 1995, No. 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 North Dakota, a class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 360 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000. Theyre not necessarily deadly, but they can cause some serious damage, from broken bones to concussions. Note:Illegal to carry them concealed without a license and/or permit. Ohio 14. Name Brass Knucklesare illegal in most US States. All-Pro Bail Bonds: Are Brass Knuckles Legal? The first federal law banning the devices was the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess, use, or sell in Vermont. 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. 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. Brass knuckles are illegal in Michigan. 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.. 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. When you hit someone with brass knuckles, you are using a type of weapon that can cause serious damage. Different states have different laws about the legality of brass knuckles. Arkansas 3. Brass knuckles are legal in some states and illegal in others. Brass knuckles are illegal in Nevada. They are considered a weapon and can be charged with a felony. I've been wanting to make a pair of knuckle dusters out of some spare wood I have lying around. Follow your state's brass knuckle laws. Brass knuckles are not illegal in Connecticut; however, it is illegal to carry them concealed. If convicted, the punishment is a fine between $501,000 and confinement in county jail between ninety days and one year. 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. If you decide to use brass knuckles for self defense, it is important to know the law in your state. Never use brass knuckles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (b) The provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to: (i) A peace officer as defined by R.S. Also, it is illegal to carry concealed brass knuckles. Brass knuckles are legal in Florida; however, one must have a permit in order to concealed carry brass knuckles. Is it illegal to carry around brass knuckles? Brass Knuckle Laws Q & A Additional information Heavy Metal Knuckles Metallic Knuckles are also referred to as brass knuckles, knuckles dusters, or simply knuckles. B. Media and video games frequently feature criminals using brass knuckles, glamorizing them to some extent. Brass knuckles are illegal in some states because they can cause serious bodily injury and death to individuals. In some states, such as Georgie, concealed weapons are legal to carry with a permit. Iowa 7. 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. It is important to know the law in your state before carrying brass knuckles. You will not often get away with a technicality just because the knuckles you buy arent brass. California imposes a strict ban on all kinds of brass knuckles, whether they are metal or plastic. 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. Wisconsin. Of course, anyone charged with any of these crimes wont want to handle the charges without the representation of an attorney. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, There is a newer version of the Louisiana Laws. Brass knuckles are legal in Hawaii, but it is unlawful to carry concealed brass knuckles. When it comes to self-defense, brass knuckles are a popular choice for many people. J. This includes anything shaped like a brass knuckle, including jewelry, bags, pendants, or necklaces. California 4. When they hit someone, they can cause serious injuries, including broken bones. And it doesnt necessarily stop at the state level, because some localities have brass knuckle laws all their own. Since there is no federal law on brass knuckles, keeping track of all state laws on knuckle dusters may be difficult. 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. There are a few exceptions to the ban. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to five years in prison. If you have a concealed carry permit in a state that allows for brass knuckles, then having it in your car, such as in the glove box, is usually legal. One may carry brass knuckles in a concealed manner unless they are being concealed with the intent to harm. For example, in Arizona, brass knuckles can be used in self-defense, but they cannot be used to commit a robbery. Required fields are marked *. Brass knuckles are legal in a lot of places guns arent Alamoaquaman 2 mo. Louisiana - Brass knuckles are legal in Louisiana but must be carried openly . However, using them is considered a violent crime which is often followed by felony charges. They can change periodically, too. Even with a permit, concealed weapons are prohibited in certain places, such as liquor stores or public gatherings. 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. (1) The intentional concealment of any firearm, or other instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon, on one's person; or, (2) The ownership, possession, custody or use of any firearm, or other instrumentality customarily used as a dangerous weapon, at any time by an enemy alien; or, (3) The ownership, possession, custody or use of any tools, or dynamite, or nitroglycerine, or explosives, or other instrumentality customarily used by thieves or burglars at any time by any person with the intent to commit a crime; or. They can be used to inflict tremendous pain and damage on an opponent during a fight or attack. It is also important to remember that even in states where brass knuckles are legal, they can still be used in self-defense, and you could still be charged with a crime if you use them to commit a crime. In this article, were going to take a more in depth look of the legality of brass knuckles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Illegal in many states, brass knuckles are dangerous weapons. In California, for example, it is illegal to possess or sell brass knuckles. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in New Jersey. If an individual unlawfully carries concealed brass knuckles they can be charged with a misdemeanor and carry penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and up to three years in prison. In some states you are able to get a permit to carry brass knuckles, but there are often restrictions. Brass knuckles are legal in Mississippi if one has a permit. In North Dakota, brass knuckles are legal with a permit. Oklahoma 17. However, there are still places that you will not be able to carry them. 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. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. Nebraska 10. Please try again. Brass knuckles are illegal in Arkansas. No matter where brass knuckles are considered legal, they almost always need a concealed carry license. It is illegal to sell and carry brass knuckles in New Hampshire. Several states have also passed laws banning brass knuckles. This law is specific to 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. Brass knuckles are legal in South Carolina. Brass knuckles are pieces of metal shaped to fit around the knuckles and are weapons used in hand-to-hand combat. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $750 and up to six months in prison. 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. Brass knuckles are legal in Wisconsin with a permit. You must obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Remember that plastic knuckles are being taken into account now too. There are certain areas that concealed weapons permits are invalid as well, such as in airports, court houses and school zones. Brass knuckles are legal in Ohio with a permit. Contact us. Mississippi 9. Here is a breakdown of where brass knuckles are legal. Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Carrying or owning brass knuckles is illegal in Illinois, and using brass knuckles to injure is a felony charge. In West Virginia, it is illegal to carry brass knuckles without a concealed weapons permit. 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. Brass knuckles are legal in Maryland with a permit. Other states, like South Carolina, make possession of brass knuckles illegal only if someone uses them with an intention to commit a crime. What are brass Knuckles? It is unlawful, though, to carry brass knuckles concealed on one's person. And an individual might be charged twice in still other jurisdictions: once for simply having the knuckles in their possession, plus concealing the weapon on their person. Theyre hardened knuckles that go over your own fingers like a set of rings that is welded together.