Are Brass Knuckles Legal
State By State Brass Knuckles Legality 2024
LAWS CHANGE ALL THE TIME
This is what we have learned in 2024. So please double check with your local police department for certainty.
Brass Knuckles in Wisconsin: A Complex Legal Landscape
- Possession: Generally legal for adults, but with restrictions.
- Concealed Carry: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is illegal without a concealed carry permit (CCP).
- Age Restrictions: Minors are prohibited from possessing brass knuckles.
- Use in Criminal Activity: Employing brass knuckles in a crime can lead to severe penalties.
Brass Knuckles in West Virginia: A Complex Legal Landscape
- No Explicit Ban: West Virginia law does not have a specific statute explicitly prohibiting brass knuckle possession.
- Concealed Carry Permit (CCP): To legally carry brass knuckles concealed, individuals must possess a valid CCP.
- Open Carry: Openly carrying brass knuckles might be legal in some areas, but it's subject to local ordinances.
- Use of Force Laws: The use of brass knuckles for self-defense is subject to West Virginia's complex use of force laws.
Brass Knuckles in Virginia: A Complex Legal Landscape
- Concealed Carry: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is illegal in Virginia.
- Open Carry: The law does not explicitly prohibit the open carrying of brass knuckles, but it might be subject to other legal restrictions.
- Misdemeanor Charges: Openly carrying brass knuckles can be considered "prima facie evidence" of intent to sell, barter, or give away such weapons, leading to potential misdemeanor charges.
Brass Knuckles in Vermont: A Clear Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Use: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in South Dakota: A Complex Legal Landscape
- No Explicit Ban: South Dakota law doesn't have a specific statute prohibiting brass knuckle possession.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is illegal unless there's no intent to harm.
- Potential Misuse: Using brass knuckles in a threatening or harmful manner can lead to severe criminal charges.
Brass Knuckles in Rhode Island: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Carry: Illegal
- Use: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Oregon: Legal to Own, Illegal to Carry
- Possession: Legal within the confines of private property.
- Concealed Carry: Strictly prohibited. Carrying brass knuckles concealed is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time.
- Open Carry: While not explicitly prohibited, open carrying brass knuckles could still lead to legal issues if perceived as a threat.
Brass Knuckles in North Dakota: A Clear Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Transportation: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Nevada: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Import: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Nebraska: Illegal to Carry, Not to Own
- Possession: Generally legal in Nebraska.
- Carry: Illegal to carry concealed brass knuckles without a proper license.
- Dangerous Weapon: Brass knuckles are classified as dangerous weapons under Nebraska law.
Brass Knuckles in Montana: A Complex Legal Landscape
- No Explicit Ban: Montana law does not directly prohibit brass knuckle possession.
- Dangerous Weapon Classification: Brass knuckles could potentially be classified as a "dangerous weapon" under Montana law, depending on the circumstances.
- Local Ordinances: It's essential to check local ordinances, as some Montana cities or counties might have specific regulations on brass knuckles.
Brass Knuckles in Mississippi: Open Carry Only
- Possession: Legal to own brass knuckles in Mississippi.
- Open Carry: Brass knuckles must be carried openly and visibly.
- Concealed Carry: Concealing brass knuckles, even in part, is illegal.
- Penalties: Violating the concealed carry law for brass knuckles is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and potential jail time.
Brass Knuckles in Massachusetts: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Transportation: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Maryland: Legal to Own, But Not to Carry Concealed
- Ownership: Legal to own brass knuckles in Maryland.
- Concealed Carry: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is illegal unless you possess a valid license or permit for carrying concealed weapons.
- Open Carry: While not explicitly prohibited, open carrying brass knuckles might attract unwanted attention and could potentially lead to legal issues.
Brass Knuckles in Iowa: A Gray Area
- No Specific Prohibition: Iowa law doesn't have a statute explicitly banning brass knuckles.
- Dangerous Weapon Classification: Brass knuckles could potentially be classified as a "dangerous weapon" under Iowa law.
- Circumstantial Evidence: The legality of possessing or using brass knuckles often depends on the circumstances.
Brass Knuckles in Idaho: A Gray Area
- No Explicit Prohibition: Idaho law does not explicitly ban brass knuckles.
- Dangerous Weapon Potential: While not explicitly prohibited, brass knuckles could be classified as a dangerous weapon under certain circumstances.
- Local Ordinances: Some Idaho cities or counties might have specific regulations on brass knuckles.
- Use of Force Laws: The use of brass knuckles for self-defense is subject to Idaho's use of force laws.
Brass Knuckles in Hawaii: A Recent Shift in the Law
- Open Carry Legal: Brass knuckles can now be openly carried in Hawaii.
- Concealed Carry: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is still illegal without a proper permit.
- Use of Force Laws: The use of brass knuckles for self-defense is subject to Hawaii's specific laws regarding use of force.
- Local Ordinances: It's essential to check local ordinances, as some counties or cities might have additional restrictions.
Brass Knuckles in Connecticut: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Purchase: Illegal
- Transportation: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Arkansas: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Use: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Arizona: A Complex Legal Landscape
- No Explicit Ban: Arizona state law does not have a specific statute prohibiting brass knuckle possession.
- Deadly Weapon Classification: Brass knuckles are generally considered deadly weapons under Arizona law.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: Carrying brass knuckles concealed is illegal without a concealed weapons permit (CWP).
- Open Carry: Openly carrying brass knuckles might be legal in some public places, but it's subject to local ordinances and discretion of law enforcement.
Brass Knuckles in Alaska: A Permissive Stance
- No Explicit Ban: Alaska does not have a specific statute prohibiting brass knuckles.
- No Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for owning or possessing brass knuckles.
- Concealed Carry: While not explicitly addressed, general concealed carry laws might apply to brass knuckles.
- Use of Force: The use of brass knuckles for self-defense is subject to Alaska's use of force laws.
Brass Knuckles in Minnesota: A Strict Prohibition
- Possession: Illegal
- Manufacture: Illegal
- Sale: Illegal
- Purchase: Illegal
- Transportation: Illegal
Brass Knuckles in Missouri: A Recent Change in the Law
- Possession: Legal in Missouri.
- Use: Illegal in any situation involving harm or threat.
- Local Ordinances: Be aware that some cities or counties might have their own restrictions on brass knuckles.