Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Michigan: The Criminal Code, Penalties and More

Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Michigan? No, brass knuckles are considered an illegal weapon

Brass knuckles are illegal in the State of Michigan. Brass knuckles are considered illegal weapons in the State of Michigan. A brass knuckle can be defined as any device made out of brass or other metal designed to inflict harm on another person. In some states this is extended to include hard plastics in addition to metals.

Brass knuckles in addition to certain types of knives and throwing stars are considered dangerous, illegal weapons. This post will explore the criminal code, penalties, and more for brass knuckle possession in the state of Michigan.

As always it is best to talk to a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with possessing brass knuckles or any other illegal dangerous weapon. An experienced attorney can help you navigate and criminal charges you could be facing for possession of a brass knuckle.

Anyone Who Possesses Brass Knuckles is Guilty of a Felony in the State of Michigan

The Michigan Penal Code makes carrying brass knuckles illegal. Brass knuckles of any type and material are prohibited in Michigan. The term “brass knuckles” refers to any item that resembles a brass knuckle, including jewelry, handbags, pendants, belt buckles and necklaces.

Brass knuckles are an illegal activity under the law—even the use of brass knuckles for self-defence purposes.

In Michigan, possession of brass knuckles is a felony and can be punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.00. The statute that deals with this felony can be found in MCL 750.224, which is illustrated below:

MCL 750.224 Weapons; manufacture, sale, or possession as felony; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; “muffler” or “silencer” defined.

Sec. 224.

  (1) A person shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess any of the following:

  (a) A machine gun or firearm that shoots or is designed to shoot automatically more than 1 shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

  (b) A muffler or silencer.

  (c) A bomb or bombshell.

  (d) A blackjack, slungshot, billy, metallic knuckles, sand club, sand bag, or bludgeon.

  (e) A device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance designed to render a person temporarily or permanently disabled by the ejection, release, or emission of a gas or other substance.

  (2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.

MCL 750.224

As you can see possessing brass knuckles is almost always illegal. Brass knuckle laws are very strict. Merely owning brass knuckles is a crime as they are treated as dangerous weapons. 

Brass Knuckles and Other Prohibited Weapons

As you can see, carrying brass knuckles is illegal in Michigan and other states. Other deadly weapons are also illegal. Except in their home, place of business, or other property owned by the person, no one may carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other hazardous weapon except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such.

What Exactly Are Brass Knuckles?

The term “brass knuckles” refers to metal gloves fitted with brass knuckles, which are pieces of metal molded to fit around the knuckles. Brass knucks are frequently constructed of different metals, plastics, or carbon fibers despite their name. This is because plastic knuckles are also illegal in many states.

The Reason States make possessing brass knuckles illegal is they cause more tissue damage by directing a punch’s force toward a harder and smaller contact area, resulting in increased injury to the person being struck.

History of the Brass Knuckle

As their name indicates, brass knuckles focus on the impact of a punch. There is a long history with them. According to most experts, brass knuckles were used by Greek and Roman fighters. The Roman gladiator’s handguard or gauntlet, known as the caestus, is generally considered the first use of brass knuckles.

Soldiers in the United States utilized a Mark I Trench Knife with brass knuckles in World War I. Soldiers in World War II were given a similar trench knife. These were very deadly weapons when used in world war II.

The use of brass knuckles in pop culture, such as major TV shows and video games, has glamorized this weapon.

However, it should be noted that these items are illegal in some states due to how dangerous they can get for you- especially with all the injuries that could lead to broken bones or concussions!

It is Illegal to Carry Brass Knuckles in many other states

Although the possession of brass knuckles is legal in most states, some states have different rules. Brass knuckles are illegal to own, buy, or use in over twenty U.S. states. States where the possession of brass knuckles is illegal include California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and more.

What makes brass knuckles illegal in so many states is the damage they can inflict. They are treated as a deadly weapons. Metal knuckles can cause severe injuries to a victim.

Avoid being charged with a concealed weapons offence by not having the weapon in your possession.

The most significant disadvantage of brass knuckles being labelled hazardous weapons is that they are banned under concealed weapons restrictions. Every state has rules restricting the carrying of a concealed weapon, although, in some jurisdictions, you may get a concealed weapons to permit that allows you to do so.

Because most states recognize brass knuckles as a weapon, having them in your pocket or bag may result in a concealed weapons charge. Even if it isn’t technically illegal to have brass knuckles in your state, this is true.

Some people have attempted to mitigate the danger of concealed weapons by wearing brass knuckles on a necklace. This, however, is not a guarantee that you will not be charged. As a result, the greatest thing you can do is be fully informed of the law. Nevertheless, you can go a long way toward avoiding charges by taking this simple action.

Getting Legal Help for Weapons Charges

Any individual facing criminal charges in Michigan for possessing brass knuckles should seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. A seasoned attorney may provide them with the best defense and possibly negotiate pleas or try cases, resulting in lower penalties.

Call a criminal defense attorney today!

Please don’t put it off any longer; contact us right now. A seasoned lawyer will understand how difficult this procedure is, so don’t wait! Instead, call immediately to discuss your legal options.