{"id":353213,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/brass-knuckles-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2023-11-07T02:01:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T07:01:04","slug":"brass-knuckles-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/brass-knuckles-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Brass Knuckles and the Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Are Brass Knuckles Illegal?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Brass knuckles are illegal in many states, especially when made of metal or hardened materials. Some states allow possession with restrictions, such as requiring a permit or prohibiting use with criminal intent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Using brass knuckles in a violent crime can lead to serious penalties, including felony charges. They are dangerous weapons capable of causing severe injuries. Depending on where they connect with a victim, they can even lead to death.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brass knuckles were first called “knuckle dusters” and “knucks.” Soldiers used them, along with trench knives, during World War I and World War II. Today, some people carry brass knuckles for self-defense<\/a>. Others intend to use them to hurt other people intentionally.<\/p>\n

This article discusses whether brass knuckles are illegal and the circumstances it may be legal to carry or use them. If you are facing criminal charges related to brass knuckles, talk to a defense attorney<\/a> near you for targeted legal advice.<\/p>\n

Are Brass Knuckles Legal Anywhere in the United States?<\/h2>\n

The laws regarding the use and possession of brass knuckles vary by state. Many states consider them prohibited weapons. For example, California, Washington, Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont prohibit possessing, selling, or using brass knuckles. New York is the same. The New York Penal Code Section 265.01<\/a>\u00a0explicitly prohibits possessing and using brass knuckles.<\/p>\n

Other states, like South Carolina and Georgia, make possession of brass knuckles illegal only if someone uses them intending to commit a crime. The legislatures in\u00a0Florida<\/a>, Oregon, and Alabama have not banned them, but you need a permit to carry them if you wish to keep them concealed.<\/p>\n

Some states only ban metallic knuckles, while others ban hardened knuckles. The primary materials used to make hardened knuckles include:<\/p>\n