Yes, brass knuckles are illegal not only to use but also to carry and have in your possession. And it is not some law that is rarely enforced; the authorities in Colorado are really serious about such matters, and the law is pretty much super strict. So let’s get to know about it a little more here.
What Does Colorado Law Actually Say?
See, down here in Colorado, yes, brass knuckles are considered to be a part of the “illegal weapons” category according to Colorado’s C.R.S. 18-12-102. Yup, that is clearly mentioned in the law. But to be more specific here, see, the legislation mentions “metallic knuckles” instead of brass knuckles, but it is one and the same. To put it simply, the control is quite strict in Colorado in that you are not allowed to have them, or bring them with you, or deal in them in any way, such as selling, buying, or making. Plain and simple!
And, yes, the material is irrelevant. Whatever they are, if the intention is to make a fist more powerful, those are not allowed to be made. That’s how it is! The law doesn’t consider the material if it is metal or plastic. The same goes for metal knuckles made of brass, steel, aluminum, or even carbon fiber; hard plastic ones, they are all banned. Even if you have a keychain, a ring, a belt buckle, or any product that is shaped like knuckles, you can get in trouble. Just keep that in mind.
How Colorado Looks at “Possession”
See, if you think that possession just means that when you’re holding/wearing it in your hands, then you’re actually wrong. There are a number of ways in which they can be counted as in possession, here:
- If they are on your body, that is real possession.
- If they are in your car, bag, room, or any place that you control, that is constructive possession.
- If you and another person both have access to something, that is joint possession.
Therefore, it is possible that you may be charged even if they are just hidden in your glove box or closet.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
To be more specific about the consequences, like after you’re caught with brass knuckles, see, in most cases, possession of brass knuckles in Colorado is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Such an offense can lead to a jail term of 6 to 18 months in the county, as well as a fine of $500 to $5,000.
But yeah, no doubt in the fact that using them in an assault situation can escalate the offense to felony level, according to the laws. The offended party is also at liberty to take you to the civil court.
What Counts as Brass Knuckles?
Bear in mind the fact that just changing the material or tweaking the design a bit doesn’t make them legal. The state of Colorado is very clear that it is a matter of purpose and function. Regardless of what they are made from, metal, plastic, resin, 3D-printed, or even if they are ‘fashion’ knuckle rings, if they can be used to make a fist more harmful, they are considered the same type that is prohibited. Plain and simple!
Why Does Colorado Ban Them Entirely?
The use of brass knuckles is one of the quickest ways to escalate a regular conflict to one that is potentially fatal. Any one blow could result in fractures, severe lacerations, or even death. Colorado wants to make sure that these kinds of weapons are not in the hands of people in order to prevent such outcomes.
