Brass Knuckles Illegal

The Legality of Brass Knuckles: A Complex Issue

Brass knuckles—also called knuckle dusters or knucks—are weapons worn on the fingers used to enhance the damage from a punch. But are they legal to own and carry? Well, it’s complicated.
Laws regarding brass knuckles vary widely across the U.S. and even within states. In some areas they are completely prohibited, while in others there are no restrictions. Let’s break it down.

Federal Law on Brass Knuckles

There are no federal laws in the U.S. banning the possession of brass knuckles. So at the national level, they are legal to own and use.
However, brass knuckles cannot be taken across state lines or exported internationally if they violate the laws of those places. And they are prohibited on aircraft and in other areas under federal jurisdiction.
So brass knuckles are fair game federally. But that doesn’t mean states take the same view…

State Laws on Brass Knuckles

Most states have their own laws regarding brass knuckles. And they run the gamut from totally illegal to completely unregulated.
Here’s a quick rundown of brass knuckle laws by state:

States Where Brass Knuckles Are Illegal

In these states, it’s illegal to own, sell, carry, or manufacture brass knuckles:
California
Florida
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Penalties vary, but can include fines up to $10,000 and multi-year prison sentences.

States Where Brass Knuckles Are Legal

Meanwhile, these states have no laws restricting brass knuckles:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
In these states, anyone over 18 can legally buy, sell, carry, and use brass knuckles recreationally without restriction.

States With Exceptions

Some states allow brass knuckles in certain situations but not in others:
Oregon: Bans carrying brass knuckles in public places, but allows possession on private property.
Wisconsin: Allows ownership of brass knuckles, but bans carrying them concealed. Open carry is legal.
So brass knuckle laws vary significantly state-by-state. Be sure to check your local regulations before buying or using them.

City and County Laws on Brass Knuckles

To make matters even more complicated, some cities and counties—even within states where brass knuckles are legal—have banned or restricted them locally.
For example, brass knuckles are prohibited in New York City, even though New York State allows them everywhere else.
And certain counties in Arizona, Mississippi, and New Mexico have local brass knuckle regulations, despite no statewide laws.
So in addition to state laws, be aware of any municipal or county ordinances that could impact the legality of brass knuckles where you live.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Using Brass Knuckles for Self Defense

While brass knuckles can be owned legally in many areas, using them against another person often constitutes an illegal assault with a deadly weapon.
Claiming self-defense may be plausible depending on the situation. But you’d need to prove you faced the risk of imminent bodily harm and that your actions were proportionate to the threat.
That’s a tough case to make when using an enhanced weapon like brass knuckles. Non-lethal options like pepper spray are often viewed as more reasonable for self defense.
And if you used brass knuckles while committing another crime, a self-defense justification likely won’t fly.
So proceed with extreme caution if planning to use brass knuckles for protection. The repercussions could be severe if deemed an unjustified assault.

Traveling With Brass Knuckles

Even if brass knuckles are legal where you live, taking them across state lines gets tricky. Because something that’s legal in one place may be banned in another.
For example, while Texas allows brass knuckles, taking them into California—which prohibits them—would be illegal.
And although brass knuckles are allowed on flights within Texas, the federal ban would prohibit taking them on an interstate flight.
So it’s best to avoid traveling with brass knuckles to steer clear of trouble. Leave them at home rather than risk unintentionally breaking another jurisdiction’s laws.

Ordering Brass Knuckles Online

When buying brass knuckles online, restrictions can also crop up. Some online retailers won’t ship to addresses in states where brass knuckles are banned.
And purchasing brass knuckles online then taking delivery in a state where they’re illegal could still result in prosecution.
So check both your local laws and the seller’s shipping policies carefully before ordering brass knuckles over the internet.

Bottom Line on Brass Knuckles

In the end, brass knuckle laws and regulations are complex, inconsistent, and constantly changing across the country. There are a lot of nuances to consider regarding exactly where, how, and why you possess them.
In states where they remain fully illegal, getting caught with brass knuckles—especially if used in a crime—can mean severe penalties.
But where lawful, they can be freely bought, sold, and collected without issue. Just avoid taking them where prohibited.
So know your jurisdiction’s regulations if owning brass knuckles so you stay on the right side of the law. And as with any weapon, use good judgment and caution if you decide to wield a set.