Can felons own brass knuckles?
Asked by: Dr. Colten Mayer | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (20 votes)
No, felons generally cannot own brass knuckles; it's illegal in many states for anyone to possess them, and for a felon, it adds to existing prohibitions on weapons, often leading to felony charges for possession, making it a serious offense with significant legal penalties. Laws vary by state, but most prohibit brass knuckles (or "metal knuckles") for everyone, and felons face severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and restrictions on future rights, with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Can a felon have brass knuckles?
In addition, you are not allowed to possess a bowie knife, a dirk knife, a butcher knife, a switchblade knife, metallic or brass knuckles (including the belt buckle variety), blackjack or any muffler or silencer for any firearm.
What weapons can a felon own in Oklahoma?
No, there are no exceptions in Oklahoma law that allow felons to possess firearms for hunting or any other purpose. Both state and federal laws strictly prohibit felons from owning or possessing firearms, regardless of their intended use.
In what states can you legally own brass knuckles?
Brass knuckles legality varies significantly by state, with some states like Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Utah, and Wyoming allowing ownership and carry with few restrictions, while others like California, Illinois, and Colorado outright ban them. Many states, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Kentucky, permit them but often require a permit or have specific rules for concealed carry, making it a patchwork of regulations where usage in a crime escalates charges.
Can I carry brass knuckles in AZ?
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal to own and carry in Arizona. However: Brass knuckles are classified as deadly weapons; and using them offensively can result in felony charges. Misuse is strictly prohibited.
What kind of weapons can a felon have?
Are brass knuckles illegal even in self-defense?
Self-defense knuckles (brass knuckles) legality varies significantly by state in the U.S., with some states banning them outright, others requiring permits, and a few allowing them, though often with restrictions on concealed carry or public display, making them illegal in many places even for self-defense. While federal law doesn't prohibit them, state and local laws dictate their legality, making it crucial to check your specific location's statutes for possession, carrying, and use.
Are nunchucks illegal in AZ?
It's officially legal to own nunchucks in Arizona. On Friday, the state's Republican governor, Doug Ducey signed a bill removing nunchucks from a list of prohibited weapons that includes bombs, gun silencers and automatic firearms.
Can I keep brass knuckles in my home?
The law considers it illegal to have brass knuckles in your possession or to move them from one location to another, even without criminal intentions. Under California law, possessing even one pair of metal knuckles is illegal.
How much do brass knuckles cost?
Brass knuckles prices vary widely, from around $10 for simple novelty/bottle opener types to $30-$80+ for solid metal, heavy-duty, or collector's pieces, depending on material (brass, steel, plastic), design (spiked, smooth, decorative), brand, and function (paperweight vs. self-defense). Expect basic versions around $10-$20, mid-range options from $20-$40, and premium or unique items potentially over $50, with some specialized non-metal versions even costing less.
Why can't I buy brass knuckles?
Most states have statutes regulating the carrying of weapons, and some specifically prohibit brass knuckles or "metal knuckles".
What state allows a felon to own a gun?
Generally, a convicted felon cannot own a gun due to federal law, but some states offer paths to restoration, with Vermont being a major exception where there are no state-level restrictions, while others like North Carolina and Oregon have specific conditions, such as pardons or certain offenses, allowing potential rights restoration, but the federal ban typically remains unless rights are restored at the state level or through a pardon. Federal law bans possession for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by over a year in prison, but this prohibition can be lifted if the state where the felony occurred restores the individual's civil rights, often through a pardon or expungement, though many states have their own separate prohibitions.
Can felons carry a crossbow?
Yes, unless any specific conditions of probation or parole prohibit possession of deadly weapons in general.
Can a convicted felon buy a hunting license?
We often get asked, Can a felon get a hunting license? Yes, they can, but they cannot own or use a firearm, so their hunting will be restricted to non-explosive weapons like bows and arrows. Other Restrictions – you will provide your social security number as part of your hunting license application.
When can felons apply for gun rights back?
Felons generally cannot own guns due to federal law, but some state laws and potential federal rule changes offer pathways for restoration, often involving waiting periods (like 5 years) after sentence completion, proving rehabilitation, or receiving pardons, though federal law typically overrides state restoration for actual gun possession. The U.S. Department of Justice proposed a system in 2025 for nonviolent felons to apply for restoration after a waiting period, but this is discretionary and doesn't negate state prohibitions.
What can a convicted felon not do?
Felons often lose rights to vote, own firearms, and serve on juries, face significant employment and housing barriers, and may be ineligible for certain public benefits, professional licenses, student aid, or military service, with specific restrictions varying greatly by state and conviction, though many rights can potentially be restored through pardons or expungements.
Why are brass knuckles banned in the US?
Brass knuckles are banned or restricted in many U.S. states because they are considered inherently dangerous weapons designed to inflict severe harm by concentrating force, leading to broken bones, severe cuts, and potential death, and their concealability makes them tools for surprise attacks, often associated with violent crime. Laws classify them as "offensive weapons" or "deadly weapons," with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies for possession or use, though legality varies significantly by state, with some allowing them under permit and others banning them outright.
Can I use brass knuckles to defend myself?
Carrying brass knuckles for self defense is legal in a handful of states, often with restrictions on how they're carried or whether they're concealed. But many states still consider them illegal weapons, no matter the reason you're carrying them.
Is it legal to buy brass knuckles online?
It's legally complex to buy brass knuckles online, as legality depends heavily on your specific state and local laws, with many places banning them outright or restricting possession and carrying, even if some online sellers list them. Some states prohibit them entirely, while others allow ownership but not public carrying, so you must check your state's laws, as ignorance of the law isn't a defense, and major retailers like Amazon and Walmart have faced fines for selling them illegally, notes the Los Angeles Times.
What states allow you to own brass knuckles?
Brass knuckles legality varies significantly by state, with some states like Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Utah, and Wyoming allowing ownership and carry with few restrictions, while others like California, Illinois, and Colorado outright ban them. Many states, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Kentucky, permit them but often require a permit or have specific rules for concealed carry, making it a patchwork of regulations where usage in a crime escalates charges.
Are brass knuckles a felony?
In most states, possessing brass knuckles is a felony offense. This means that carrying or using brass knuckles can result in significant fines and jail time. It's important to note that even if you are not involved in a violent altercation, simply possessing brass knuckles can lead to serious legal consequences.
Is it illegal to use brass knuckles in a fight?
For example, if you started a physical altercation with someone and used brass knuckles, causing them injury, you could still be charged with assault or battery. While these offenses are typically classified as misdemeanors, they still carry serious penalties for anyone convicted of them.
Are brass knuckles considered a firearm?
Penal Code § 16590 PC makes it a crime to manufacture, sell, or possess certain types of weapons that are deemed dangerous or prohibited in California. These weapons, often referred to as “generally prohibited weapons,” include items such as: Brass knuckles.
What is the Juliet law in Arizona?
Arizona's "Romeo and Juliet law" provides a close-in-age exception to statutory rape charges for consensual sexual conduct, applying when the victim is 15-17 and the other person is under 19 (or in high school) and no more than 2 years older, creating a defense for young couples in similar-age relationships. This law protects consensual acts between teens close in age but does not apply if the victim is under 15, or for other sex crimes like sexual assault or molestation.
Are monkey fists legal in AZ?
As it turns out, in addition to being illegal in the UK (according to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency), "weighted" monkey fist knot is also illegal in the US states of Arizona and Michigan, and even in Australia (according to the Australian Maritime safety authority - AMSA).
What's the biggest knife you can carry in Arizona?
Arizona. In Arizona, all types of knives and any blade length are legal, and individuals over 21 can carry knives concealed. However, it's illegal not to disclose carrying a concealed non-pocket knife to a police officer, for someone under 21 to carry a non-pocket knife concealed, or to bring a knife into schools.