Brass Knuckle Laws in the United States: A State-by-State Guide

Brass Knuckle Laws in the United States

Brass knuckles, often called knuckle dusters, are compact weapons designed to amplify the impact of a punch. The laws governing their possession, use, and sale vary widely across the 50 states, making it crucial to understand the specific regulations in your state. Whether you’re in Texas, California, New York, or Florida, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate brass knuckle laws in your state.

State-by-State Brass Knuckle Laws

Alabama

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to possess. However, carrying them concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor. Always check Alabama concealed carry laws before taking brass knuckles into public spaces.

Alaska

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Alaska law prohibits the manufacture, possession, or sale of brass knuckles. Violating these regulations can result in criminal charges.

Arizona

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own and carry, even concealed, if you’re over 21 years old. Arizona’s open carry laws extend to weapons like brass knuckles, but misuse can lead to serious penalties.

Arkansas

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Possession, sale, or carrying brass knuckles in Arkansas is prohibited. Violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.

California

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: California Penal Code Section 21810 explicitly bans brass knuckles. Possessing, manufacturing, or selling them is considered a felony, punishable by significant fines and jail time.

Colorado

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Owning brass knuckles is legal in Colorado, but using them in a violent crime can elevate charges. Carrying concealed brass knuckles without a permit is also prohibited.

Connecticut

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Connecticut law classifies brass knuckles as dangerous weapons, making their possession and use a felony offense.

Delaware

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are prohibited in Delaware. Possession, sale, or use can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.

Florida

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own in Florida, but carrying them concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor. Misusing them in a crime leads to harsher penalties.

Georgia

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Georgia allows the possession and open carry of brass knuckles. However, they cannot be used to commit a crime, as this can lead to felony charges.

Hawaii

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Hawaii law prohibits brass knuckles, including their possession, sale, and manufacturing. Violators face criminal penalties.

Idaho

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own in Idaho. However, carrying them concealed requires a weapons permit. Misuse can lead to criminal charges.

Illinois

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Illinois considers brass knuckles a prohibited weapon. Possession, sale, or use can lead to felony charges.

Indiana

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own in Indiana, but carrying them concealed without a permit is prohibited.

Iowa

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Iowa bans the possession, sale, and use of brass knuckles. Violating these laws can result in misdemeanor charges.

Kansas

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Kansas allows the possession of brass knuckles. Open carry is permitted, but concealed carry requires a valid permit.

Kentucky

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal in Kentucky. However, using them in a crime or carrying them concealed without a permit is punishable by law.

Louisiana

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Possession is allowed, but carrying brass knuckles concealed without a permit in Louisiana can result in criminal charges.

Maine

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Maine prohibits brass knuckles under its dangerous weapons laws. Possessing or using them can result in fines and imprisonment.

Maryland

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Possession is legal, but carrying brass knuckles concealed without proper authorization is prohibited.

Massachusetts

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Massachusetts classifies brass knuckles as dangerous weapons, making possession, sale, or use illegal under state law.

Michigan

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to possess in Michigan but using them to commit a crime carries severe penalties.

Minnesota

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are classified as dangerous weapons in Minnesota, and possession is prohibited.

Mississippi

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own and carry openly in Mississippi. However, misuse or concealed carry without a permit can lead to charges.

Missouri

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Missouri allows brass knuckles but requires a permit for concealed carry. Using them unlawfully can lead to legal consequences.

Montana

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal to own in Montana. However, using them in a violent crime can result in felony charges.

Nebraska

• Legal Status: Illegal.
• Details: Possession, sale, and use of brass knuckles are prohibited in Nebraska.

Nevada

• Legal Status: Legal with restrictions.
• Details: Possession is legal, but concealed carry requires a permit. Misuse can result in criminal penalties.

New Hampshire

• Legal Status: Legal.
• Details: Brass knuckles are legal in New Hampshire, but using them to commit a crime can lead to severe consequences.

This guide continues to break down brass knuckle laws across all 50 states. Always check your local laws to ensure compliance and avoid legal trouble.