It’s a bit complicated, like, it is legal to own brass knuckles in Georgia, but it is absolutely illegal to carry in open, let alone use them. That’s unlike many other states in the country, but the law is pretty straightforward and usually enforced with strict measures, and there are clear guidelines for what you can do and can not do. So let’s just check that out.
What Does Georgia Law Actually Say?
If we are to start from the very beginning, having brass knuckles in your possession in the state of Georgia is not against the law, at least if you refrain from carrying them with you. Like, unlike many states out there, see, there’s no problem in having them lying around on a shelf or being a part of your collection.
The problems start if you go out with them. In Georgia, it is illegal to have brass knuckles hidden, such as in your pocket, bag, or under your clothes. Also, as the state does not provide licenses for carrying brass knuckles, you cannot go around that rule in a legal way. Plain and simple!
In case you have them in the open, like anybody can see them, then you are not, by definition, violating the law relating to concealed weapons. But that just doesn’t mean that the police can’t stop you; they absolutely can, and oftentimes, when you’re in possession of brass knuckles, the interaction with the police likely will not be that friendly. They’ll ask a lot of questions, no doubt.
The Main Law You Should Know
And just in case you want to know specific things about the law and how it is stated, well, the exact regulation is O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126, and one of the main points of this provision is the listing of “metal knuckles” as a weapon that cannot be carried concealed. Plain and simple! And within this, typically, if it is your first offense, it is referred to as a misdemeanor, thus the punishment will be a fine and the possibility of up to 12 months in jail. If you are caught again, it will be a felony with a prison sentence of up to five years as a result. That’s how it usually goes.
There is also a condition that states that the sale of brass knuckles or giving them to a person under 18 years of age is prohibited. Not a single doubt in the fact that such a situation can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and even six months in prison.
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
- Keeping them at home or at your fixed place of business: Allowed
- Carrying them concealed anywhere: Illegal
- Carrying them openly: Technically legal but risky
- Taking them to schools, government buildings, airports, or similar places: Strictly prohibited
- Using them in any fight: Usually treated as aggravated assault, a serious felony
How Georgia Compares to Other States
Alrighty, let’s see. So there are states like California, Illinois, and New York that prohibit the use of brass knuckles completely, so that you cannot even possess them. Whereas states like Texas and Arizona are a lot more lenient, you know? Georgia is kind of in the middle: you can have them, but it is not advisable that you carry them with you, especially if you are hiding them.
Why Does Georgia Care About a Small Piece of Metal?
Brass knuckles are what can make a regular fist to be able to break bones and cause serious injuries. This is the main reason why the law considers them to be in the same category as other hard-impact weapons. So now you get it?
