The Keating Firm has been purchased by Kisling, Nestico & Redick, a personal injury law firm serving all of Ohio. Visit Site >
top of page
  • Writer's pictureBrad Keating

Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Ohio?

Updated: Nov 13, 2020

In many countries, brass knuckles are dangerous weapons and considered illegal in some states. Several nations only prohibit metallic knuckles while others ban any hardening knuckles. Brass knuckles are applied as offensive and defensive arms. They are often referred to as "knuckle dusters" and "knucks." During World War I, the brass knuckles were usually attached to knives for use in trench warfare.


Illegal Brass Knuckles in Ohio

Additionally, brass knuckles consist of any metal, plastic, or hardened product. Usually, they wrap around the four fingers, forming a fist and leaving the thumb free. Also, they can be used on both hands or one. For most states in the United States of America, brass knuckles are commonly illegal.


The use of knuckle dusters can cause puncture wounds, fractured ribs, concussion, and eye damage. In some situations, they can cause death.


If you or someone close to you has been injured by brass knuckles, the Columbus injury lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. can help.


Brass Knuckles and the Law

Several states in the U.S. have a different opinion on this tool. Some places like California, Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont ban the ownership, purchase, or application of brass knuckles, in addition to materials that look like brass knuckles (e.g., plastic knuckles). Other cities, like South Carolina, consider brass knuckles prohibited and illegal only in case they are intentionally employed to commit a crime.


Also, the primary substances used to make stiff knuckles contain brass, metal, hard plastic materials, and acrylic. Although owning a pair of brass knuckles is frequently a misdemeanor offense in states where they are against the law, using brass knuckles in a brutal crime can lead to felony charges.


Brass Knuckles and Your Legal Rights

There are federal and state laws on brass knuckles that people must understand and respect. If someone is accused of owning brass knuckles, or the victim of a brass knuckle-related violence, he should get in touch with an attorney to discuss his legal choices.

His lawyer can help him with some legal concerns, such as:


Learning about the implications of breaking the brass-knuckle policy in his state, including details of the violation, potential defenses, and the duration of any future criminal sentence.

In case he is a victim of a brass knuckle crime, then he may claim damages from the perpetrators, their employers, or a third party who may have had an obligation to prevent the use of brass arms.


Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Ohio?

Ohio’s law on deadly weapons dictates that the application and acquisition of a deadly weapon are banned. Still, brass knuckles are not explicitly specified, leaving the discussion of what is a dangerous weapon up to the judge and the court.


Brass knuckles, nevertheless, can be viewed as deadly tools. Therefore, everyone should be highly cautious and alert. It is illegal to carry brass knuckles without a concealed carry permit and can lead to assault charges, fines, and detention.


Most states view knuckles as concealed weapons. It implies that carrying them can require a permit, as for any concealed firearm. The law often differs from one city to another on the legality of these serious products.


What Self Defense Weapons are Legal in Ohio?

Every person has the right to defend themself against criminals who may want to harm him or his family members.


Pepper Spray

Pepper spray comes in a mixture of boxes with a combination of strong chemicals. The spray inside is used to disturb the eyesight of an attacker, which causes blurred vision. He can legally carry pepper spray in Ohio for safety reasons.


Stun Guns

Stun guns are self-defense firearms that use an electrical charge to prevent an intruder. Anyone can legally carry stun guns in Ohio to defend himself. Ohio doesn't consider stun guns a dangerous weapon.


However, objects such as switchblades and automatic knives are illegal to carry.


Getting Legal Help for Weapons Charges

If the victim is facing criminal charges in Ohio, he must refer to a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible. Criminal sentences may have severe consequences, from penalties to spending time behind bars. He may even have difficulties in finding potential jobs. An experienced lawyer is fully informed of the criminal law and can provide him with the best defense possible.



If you are interested in whether or not butterfly knives are legal in Ohio, The Keating Firm LTD. can answer all of your questions.




Disclaimer: The details included in this blog is offered for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as lawful guidance in any way. No recipients of material from this blog, clients or otherwise, should or should not act on the basis of any material consisted in the blog without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional guidance on the particular facts and situations at issue from an attorney accredited in the recipient's state.


bottom of page