The Definitive Guide to USA Stun Gun Laws
The following information reflects the best stun device laws we have at this time and may or may not be complete. In no way should this be considered the final word on the legal status of self-defense products. Nor, is this list regarded to take the place of legal counsel, or be looked at as being any form of legal advice. You may check with your state and county authorities to get the latest information on the legality of self-defense products in your area.
As a reminder, it is the responsibility of the end-user of any of our products to check their local and state laws to determine the legality of that product.
What states are stun guns illegal?
The following section is designed to address some of the questions or concerns you may have.
The following states are illegal to own or possess a stun gun:
Hawaii, Rhode Island, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
In what states do you need a license to own a stun gun?
In most states, you don’t need a permit.
In Illinois, it’s illegal to buy or possess a stun gun or Taser without a valid state-issued Firearm Owners’ Identification Card (known as an FOID).
In Indiana, it’s illegal to carry an electronic weapon (a Taser or stun gun with a certain level of charge) on your body or in your vehicle without a license, unless: you are on your own property or have consent to carry the gun on someone else’s property.
In Michigan, it’s required to have a concealed pistol license, even though the class to get a CPL doesn’t cover any training or laws concerning Tasers or stun guns. And in order to get your CPL, you have to use a firearm; you have to actually fire a firearm.
In Wisconsin, it’s a felony to carry a stun gun or Taser anywhere other than your own home, land, or business, unless you have a concealed carry license, or the electric weapon is enclosed in a carrying case. This restriction doesn’t apply to peace officers and on-duty military or corrections personnel.
Legal Questions |
Are stun guns or TASER devices legal? |
Can I carry them or put them in my car? |
Can I travel with it? |
Can I take it to Mexico or other countries? |
Stun Gun Laws / Restrictions (Legal Area)
Stun Guns and TASERs are not considered firearms – they’re legal to own in
AL, AK, AZ, AR,
CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA,
KS, KY, LA, MA, ME,
MD, MI, MN,
MS, MO, MT, NE,
NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, NJ, NY, OH,
OK, OR, PA,
SC, SD, TN, TX,
UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY and Puerto Rico
Shop Stun Guns and TASERS for Home Protection
We also have a great FAQ section where some of the most common questions we receive from visitors are answered.
If you have any other questions regarding stun gun laws and restrictions, please contact us. We will make every effort to address your questions promptly and thoroughly.
Shipping address is from a prohibited area below? Don’t worry.
Just give us an alternate shipping address from any legal area and we can still ship it for you!
Illegal area:
The information we provide is strictly for research purposes. It does not necessarily reflect the actual law.
Please understand that your local government might have
different restrictions especially for carrying it. For
example, some areas might interpret “carrying it in a
open manner” different than other areas. We try our
best to keep the information updated. If you are in
doubt whether it is legal to own or carry any of our
products in your area, simply contact your local law
enforcement over the phone. They should be able to
tell you right away.
Legal Questions
Are stun guns or TASER devices legal?
They are legal for civilian self-defense in 48 states as long as you are not a minor, do not have any felony record and only use it for self defense.
Stun Guns and TASERs are not considered firearms – they’re legal to own in
AL, AK, AZ, AR,
CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA,
KS, KY, LA, MA, ME,
MD, MA, MI, MN,
MS, MO, MT, NE,
NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, NJ, NY, OH,
OK, OR, PA,
SC, SD, TN, TX,
UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY and Puerto Rico
Can I carry them or put them in my car?
Most states allow civilians to have it for personal protection. Different areas might have different regulations. If you are in doubt and need more information, please contact your local law enforcement or sheriff’s office and they should be able to tell you over the phone.
Can I travel with it?
It depends on where you are going and how. According to the Transportation Security Administration, stun guns and self defense sprays are allowed in checked baggage with restriction and prohibited in carry-on. For more information, please visit
TSA site or contact your airline, they should be able to help you.
Can I take it to Mexico or other countries?
It depends on how you travel and the laws in the area of your destination. Please contact the country’s Embassy for more information.
AL, AK, AZ, AR,
CA, CO, CT, DE,
DC, FL, GA, HI,
ID, IL, IN, IA,
KS, KY, LA, ME,
MD, MA, MI, MN,
MS, MO, MT, NE,
NV, NH, NJ, NM,
NY, NC, ND, OH,
OK, OR, PA, RI,
SC, SD, TN, TX,
UT, VT, VA, WA,
WV, WI, WY
*We do not accept international orders including orders from Canada.
State | Legal for Consumer Use/Possession | Permit Required for Consumers to Possess |
Alabama | Legal | No permit required |
Alaska | Legal | No permit required |
Arizona | Legal | No permit required |
Arkansas | Legal | No permit required |
California | Legal | No permit required |
Colorado | Legal | No permit required |
Connecticut | Legal | No permit required |
Delaware | Legal | No permit required |
District of Columbia | Legal | No permit required |
Florida | Legal | No permit required |
Georgia | Legal | No permit required |
Hawaii | Illegal | n/a |
Idaho | Legal | No permit required |
Illinois | Legal with FOID | permit required |
Indiana | Legal (TASER subject to requirement of handgun license) | No permit required |
Iowa | Legal | No permit required |
Kansas | Legal | No permit required |
Kentucky | Legal | No permit required |
Louisiana | Legal | No permit required |
Maine | Legal | No permit required |
Maryland | Legal | No permit required |
Massachusetts | Legal | No permit required |
Michigan | Legal with concealed carry permit | permit required |
Minnesota | Legal | No permit required |
Mississippi | Legal | No permit required |
Missouri | Legal | No permit required |
Montana | Legal | No permit required |
Nebraska | Legal | No permit required |
Nevada | Legal | No permit required |
New Hampshire | Legal | No permit required |
New Jersey | Legal | No permit required |
New Mexico | Legal | No permit required |
New York | Legal | No permit required |
North Carolina | Legal (no concealed carry outside of own premises) | No permit required |
North Dakota | Legal | No permit required |
Ohio | Legal | No permit required |
Oklahoma | Legal | No permit required |
Oregon | Legal | No permit required |
Pennsylvania | Legal | No permit required |
Rhode Island | Illegal | n/a |
South Carolina | Legal | No permit required |
South Dakota | Legal | No permit required |
Tennessee | Legal | No permit required |
Texas | Legal | No permit required |
Utah | Legal | No permit required |
Vermont | Legal | No permit required |
Virginia | Legal | No permit required |
Washington | Legal | No permit required |
West Virginia | Legal | No permit required |
Wisconsin | Legal with CCW license Click here to apply CCW | permit required |
Wyoming | Legal | No permit required |
AL, AK, AZ, AR,
CA, CO, CT, DE,
DC, FL, GA, HI,
ID, IL, IN, IA,
KS, KY, LA, ME,
MD, MA, MI, MN,
MS, MO, MT, NE,
NV, NH, NJ, NM,
NY, NC, ND, OH,
OK, OR, PA, RI,
SC, SD, TN, TX,
UT, VT, VA, WA,
WV, WI, WY
State | Citation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alabama | Ala. Code § 13A-1-2. Definitions. (5) Dangerous Instrument. Any instrument, article, or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is highly capable of causing death or serious physical injury. The term includes a “vehicle,” as that term is defined in subdivision (15). (7) Deadly Weapon. A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purposes of inflicting death or serious physical injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, a pistol, rifle, or shotgun; or a switch-blade knife, gravity knife, stiletto, sword, or dagger; or any billy, black-jack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles. (14) Serious Physical Injury. Physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes serious and protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.*Various Alabama cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Montgomery. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding the regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska | Alaska Stat. § 11.81.900. Definitions. (19) “defensive weapon” means an electric stun gun, or a device to dispense mace or a similar chemical agent, that is not designed to cause death or serious physical injury . . . (b)(20) “defensive weapon” means an electric stun gun, or a device to dispense mace or a similar chemical agent, that is not designed to cause death or serious physical injuryAlaska Stat. § 11.61.210. Misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree (a) A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree if the person . . . (6) knowingly sells a firearm or a defensive weapon to a person under 18 years of age;(7) other than a preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school student, knowingly possesses a deadly weapon or a defensive weapon, without the permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or district or the designee of the chief administrative officer, within the buildings of, on the grounds of, or on the school parking lot of a public or private preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school, on a school bus while being transported to or from school or a school-sponsored event, or while participating in a school-sponsored event, except that a person 21 years of age or older may possess …(B) a defensive weapon . . . (8) being a preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school student, knowingly possesses a deadly weapon or a defensive weapon, within the buildings of, on the grounds of, or on the school parking lot of a public or private preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school, on a school bus while being transported to or from school or a school-sponsored event, or while participating in a school-sponsored event, except that a student may possess a deadly weapon, other than a firearm as defined under 18 U.S.C. 921, or a defensive weapon if the student has obtained the prior permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or district or the designee of the chief administrative officer for the possession. . . . (c) The provisions of (a)(7) of this section do not apply to a peace officer acting within the scope and authority of the officer’s employment.*Various Alaska cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Wrangell. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding the regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arizona | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-105. Definitions . . . 11. “Dangerous instrument” means anything that under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury. 12. “Deadly physical force” means force which is used with the purpose of causing death or serious physical injury or in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of creating a substantial risk of causing death or serious physical injury. 13. “Deadly weapon” means anything designed for lethal use. The term includes a firearm. . . . 17. “Firearm” means any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of expanding gases, except that it does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition. . . . 34. “Serious physical injury” includes physical injury which creates a reasonable risk of death, or which causes serious and permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of health or loss or protracted impairment of the function of any bodily organ or limb.Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3117. Remote stun guns; sales records; use; classification; definitions A. It is unlawful for a person or entity to do any of the following:
. . .
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1213. Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer; classification; definition *Various Arizona cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Ft. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arkansas | Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-133. Possession of a taser stun gun (a) As used in this section, “taser stun gun” means any device that:
(b)
(c) Any law enforcement officer using a taser stun gun shall be properly trained in the use of the taser stun gun and informed of any danger or risk
Ark. Code Ann. § 5-54-132. Targeting law enforcement officer with laser pointer Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-121. Sale of laser light to minor Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-122. Possession of hand-held laser pointers by minors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
California | Cal. Penal§ 171b. Unauthorized possession of weapons in state or local public building or at public meeting; offense; punishment (a) Any person who brings or possesses within any state or local public building or at any meeting required to be open to the public pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of, or Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, the Government Code, any of the following is guilty of a public offense punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or in the state prison: . . . (5) Any taser or stun gun, as defined in Section 244.5.Cal. Penal § 171.5. Airports and passenger vessel terminals; prohibited items . . . (b) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess within any sterile area of an airport or a passenger vessel terminal, any of the items listed in subdivision (c). (c) The following items are unlawful to possess as provided in subdivision (b):
(d) Subdivision (b) shall not apply to, or affect, any of the following: [duly appointed peace officer, person authorized by airport security, Cal. Penal § 244.5. Stun gun or less lethal weapon; assault; punishment Cal. Penal § 245.5. Assault with deadly weapon or instrument by any means likely to produce great bodily injury or with stun gun or Cal. Penal § 626.10. Bringing or possessing weapons on school grounds; exceptions Cal Penal § 11160. Injuries by firearm; assaultive or abusive conduct; reporting duties by health facilities, clinics, physician’s offices, or
. . .
Cal Penal § 16780. Less lethal weapon defined Cal Penal § 17230. Stun gun defined Cal Penal § 22610. Purchase, possession or use of stun gun; exceptions; minors; fines
(d) No minor shall possess any stun gun unless the minor is at least 16 years of age and has the written consent of the minor’s parent or legal Cal Penal § 22615. Manufacturer’s name and serial number on stun guns Cal Penal § 22625. Instruction booklet to accompany sale of stun gun; fines Cal. Penal § Cal. Penal § 417.25. Laser scope or laser pointer; aiming or pointing Cal. Penal § 417.26. Laser scope; aiming or pointing at peace officer Cal. Penal § 417.27. Laser pointers; sale to persons 17 years of age or younger; possession on school premises; directing beam into *Various California cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Brea, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colorado | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-101. Definitions (i.5) “Stun gun” means a device capable of temporarily immobilizing a person by the infliction of an electrical charge.Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106.5. Use of stun guns A person commits a class 5 felony if he knowingly and unlawfully uses a stun gun in the commission of a criminal offense.*Various Colorado cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Boulder, Burlington, Larimer County, Lafayette, Milliken, Parker, Minturn, Pueblo, Eagle and Thornton. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding the regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Connecticut | Conn. Gen Stat. § 53a-3. Definitions. . . . (20) “Electronic defense weapon” means a weapon which by electronic impulse or current is capable of immobilizing a person temporarily, but is not capable of inflicting death or serious physical injury, including a stun gun or other conductive energy device.Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-216. Criminal use of firearm or electronic defense weapon: Class D felony (a) A person is guilty of criminal use of a firearm or electronic defense weapon when he commits any class A, B or C or unclassified felony as defined in section 53a-25 and in the commission of such felony he uses or threatens the use of a pistol, revolver, machine gun, shotgun, rifle or other firearm or electronic defense weapon. No person shall be convicted of criminal use of a firearm or electronic defense weapon and the underlying felony upon the same transaction but such person may be charged and prosecuted for both such offenses upon the same information. (b) Criminal use of a firearm or electronic defense weapon is a class D felony for which five years of the sentence imposed may not be suspended or reduced by the court.Conn. Gen Stat. § 53a-217. Criminal possession of a firearm or electronic defense weapon: Class D felony. (a) A person is guilty of criminal possession of a firearm or electronic defense weapon when such person possesses a firearm or electronic defense weapon and (1) has been convicted of a felony, (2) has been convicted as delinquent for the commission of a serious juvenile offense, as defined in section 46b-120, (3) knows that such person is subject to (A) a restraining or protective order of a court of this state that has been issued against such person, after notice and an opportunity to be heard has been provided to such person, in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person, or (B) a foreign order of protection, as defined in section 46b-15a, that has been issued against such person in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person, (4) knows that such person is subject to a firearms seizure order issued pursuant to subsection (d) of section 29-38c after notice and an opportunity to be heard has been provided to such person, or (5) is prohibited from shipping, transporting, possessing or receiving a firearm pursuant to 18 USC 922(g)(4). For the purposes of this section, “convicted” means having a judgment of conviction entered by a court of competent jurisdiction. (b) Criminal possession of a firearm or electronic defense weapon is a class D felony, for which two years of the sentence imposed may not be suspended or reduced by the court.Conn. Gen Stat. § 53-206. Carrying of dangerous weapons prohibited. (a) Any person who carries upon one’s person any BB. gun, blackjack, metal or brass knuckles, or any dirk knife, or any switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, or stiletto, or any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length, any police baton or nightstick, or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than three years or both. Whenever any person is found guilty of a violation of this section, any weapon or other instrument within the provisions of this section, found upon the body of such person, shall be forfeited to the municipality wherein such person was apprehended, notwithstanding any failure of the judgment of conviction to expressly impose such forfeiture. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (1) any officer charged with the preservation of the public peace while engaged in the pursuit of such officer’s official duties; (2) the carrying of a baton or nightstick by a security guard while engaged in the pursuit of such guard’s official duties; (3) the carrying of a knife, the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length, by (A) any member of the armed forces of the United States, as defined in section 27-103, or any reserve component thereof, or of the armed forces of this state, as defined in section 27- 2, when on duty or going to or from duty, (B) any member of any military organization when on parade or when going to or from any place of assembly, (C) any person while transporting such knife as merchandise or for display at an authorized gun or knife show, (D) any person who is found with any such knife concealed upon one’s person while lawfully removing such person’s household goods or effects from one place to another, or from one residence to another, (E) any person while actually and peaceably engaged in carrying any such knife from such person’s place of abode or business to a place or person where or by whom such knife is to be repaired, or while actually and peaceably returning to such person’s place of abode or business with such knife after the same has been repaired, (F) any person holding a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license issued pursuant to chapter 490 or any salt water fisherman carrying such knife for lawful hunting, fishing or trapping activities, or (G) any person while participating in an authorized historic reenactment; (4) the carrying by any person enrolled in or currently attending, or an instructor at, a martial arts school of a martial arts weapon while in a class or at an authorized event or competition or while transporting such weapon to or from such class, event or competition; (5) the carrying of a BB. gun by any person taking part in a supervised event or competition of the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of America or in any other authorized event or competition while taking part in such event or competition or while transporting such weapon to or from such event or competition; and (6) the carrying of a BB. gun by any person upon such person’s own property or the property of another person provided such other person has authorized the carrying of such weapon on such property, and the transporting of such weapon to or from such property.Conn. Gen Stat. § 29-38. Weapons in vehicles. (a) Any person who knowingly has, in any vehicle owned, operated or occupied by such person, any weapon, any pistol or revolver for which a proper permit has not been issued as provided in section 29-28 or any machine gun which has not been registered as required by section 53-202, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years or both, and the presence of any such weapon, pistol or revolver, or machine gun in any vehicle shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the owner, operator and each occupant thereof. The word “weapon”, as used in this section, means any BB. gun, any blackjack, any metal or brass knuckles, any police baton or nightstick, any dirk knife or switch knife, any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, any stiletto, any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length, any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to: (1) Any officer charged with the preservation of the public peace while engaged in the pursuit of such officer’s official duties; (2) any security guard having a baton or nightstick in a vehicle while engaged in the pursuit of such guard’s official duties; (3) any person enrolled in and currently attending a martial arts school, with official verification of such enrollment and attendance, or any certified martial arts instructor, having any such martial arts weapon in a vehicle while traveling to or from such school or to or from an authorized event or competition; (4) any person having a BB. gun in a vehicle provided such weapon is unloaded and stored in the trunk of such vehicle or in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console; and (5) any person having a knife, the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length, in a vehicle if such person is (A) any member of the armed forces of the United States, as defined in section 27-103, or any reserve component thereof, or of the armed forces of this state, as defined in section 27-2, when on duty or going to or from duty, (B) any member of any military organization when on parade or when going to or from any place of assembly, (C) any person while transporting such knife as merchandise or for display at an authorized gun or knife show, (D) any person while lawfully removing such person’s household goods or effects from one place to another, or from one residence to another, (E) any person while actually and peaceably engaged in carrying any such knife from such person’s place of abode or business to a place or person where or by whom such knife is to be repaired, or while actually and peaceably returning to such person’s place of abode or business with such knife after the same has been repaired, (F) any person holding a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license issued pursuant to chapter 490 or any salt water fisherman while having such knife in a vehicle for lawful hunting, fishing or trapping activities, or (G) any person participating in an authorized historic reenactment.Conn. Gen Stat. § 53-206e. Limitation on sale and use of laser pointers. (a) As used in this section, “laser pointer” means a hand-held device that emits a laser light beam and is designed to be used by the operator to indicate, mark or identify a specific position, place, item or object. (b) No person shall sell, offer to sell, lease, give or otherwise provide a laser pointer to a person under eighteen years of age, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. (c) No person under eighteen years of age shall possess a laser pointer on school grounds or in any public place, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. (d) A person may temporarily transfer a laser pointer to a person under eighteen years of age for an educational or other lawful purpose provided the person to whom the laser pointer is temporarily transferred is under the direct supervision of a parent, legal guardian, teacher, employer or other responsible adult. (e) No person shall shine, point or focus a laser pointer, directly or indirectly, upon or at another person in a manner that can reasonably be expected to cause harassment, annoyance or fear of injury to such other person. (f) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall have committed an infraction.Conn. Gen Stat. § 53-206e. Limitation on sale and use of laser pointers (a) As used in this section, “laser pointer” means a hand-held device that emits a laser light beam and is designed to be used by the operator to indicate, mark or identify a specific position, place, item or object. (b) No person shall sell, offer to sell, lease, give or otherwise provide a laser pointer to a person under eighteen years of age, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. (c) No person under eighteen years of age shall possess a laser pointer on school grounds or in any public place, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. (d) A person may temporarily transfer a laser pointer to a person under eighteen years of age for an educational or other lawful purpose provided the person to whom the laser pointer is temporarily transferred is under the direct supervision of a parent, legal guardian, teacher, employer or other responsible adult. (e) No person shall shine, point or focus a laser pointer, directly or indirectly, upon or at another person in a manner that can reasonably be expected to cause harassment, annoyance or fear of injury to such other person. (f) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall have committed an infraction.*Various Connecticut cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Cheshire and Glastonbury. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding the regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Delaware | Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 222. General definitions (4) “Dangerous instrument” means any instrument, article or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury, or any disabling chemical spray, as defined in subdivision (6) of this section or any electronic control devices including but not limited to a neuromuscular incapacitation device designed to incapacitate a person. (5) “Deadly weapon” includes a firearm, as defined in subdivision (11) of this section, a bomb, a knife of any sort (other than an ordinary pocketknife carried in a closed position), switchblade knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, slingshot, razor, bicycle chain or ice pick or any dangerous instrument, as defined in subdivision (4) of this section, which is used, or attempted to be used, to cause death or serious physical injury. For the purpose of this definition, an ordinary pocketknife shall be a folding knife having a blade not more than 3 inches in length. . . . (10) “Electronic control device” is a device designed to incapacitate a person, including but not limited to a neuromuscular incapacitation device. (11) “Firearm” includes any weapon from which a shot, projectile or other object may be discharged by force of combustion, explosive, gas and/or mechanical means, whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded. It does not include a BB gun. . . . (24) “Serious physical injury” means physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes serious and prolonged disfigurement, prolonged impairment of health or prolonged loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ, or which causes the unlawful termination of a pregnancy without the consent of the pregnant female.Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 612 Assault in the second degree; class D felony . . . (11) The person recklessly or intentionally causes physical injury to a law enforcement officer, security officer, fire policeman, fire fighter, paramedic, or emergency medical technician in the lawful performance of their duties by means of an electronic control device shall be a class C felony. NOTE – The classification as a “dangerous instrument” allows for the misuse of an electronic control device to be a felony offense. While there are appearance of restrictions associated with the possession and use of a dangerous instrument, the following sections of Delaware Code provide justifications for the possession and use of these items by law enforcement and in self defense: § 463. Justification — Choice of evils. § 464. Justification — Use of force in self-protection. § 465. Justification — Use of force for the protection of other persons. § 466. Justification — Use of force for the protection of property. § 467. Justification — Use of force in law enforcement. § 468. Justification — Use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others.*Various Delaware cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: New Castle County, Smyrna, Elsmere and Wilmington. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding the regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District of Columbia | D.C. Code § 7-2501.01. Definitions . . . (7) “Destructive device” means: . . .
D.C. Code § 7-2502.01. Registration requirements
(2) In the discretion of the Chief of Police, to a police officer who has retired from the Metropolitan Police Department; or (b) Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to:
D.C. Code § 7-2504.01. Manufacture of firearms, destructive devices or ammunition prohibited; requirement for dealer’s license D.C. Code § 7-2505.01. Sales and transfers prohibited D.C. Code § 7-2507.01. Security mortgages, deposits, or pawns with firearms, destructive devices, or ammunition prohibited; loan or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Florida | Fla. Stat. § 394.9223. Deadly force (Mental Health – Involuntary Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators) (1) When necessary to provide protection and security to any client, to the personnel, equipment, buildings, or grounds of a secure facility, or to citizens in the surrounding community, an employee or agent of a secure facility, or an employee of a state or local law enforcement agency, may apply physical force upon a person confined in a secure facility under this part only when and to the extent that it reasonably appears necessary. This includes the use of nonlethal devices, such as chemical agents and hand-held electronic immobilization devices, when authorized by the administrator of the facility or her or his designee when the administrator is not present, and only after an employee has been trained in the appropriate use of such chemical agents and electronic devices. Chemical agents and hand-held electronic devices shall be used only to the extent necessary to provide protection and security. A staff person may not carry a chemical agent or hand-held electronic immobilization device on her or his person under any circumstances, except during escort of a facility resident outside of the secure perimeter of the facility, or as an authorized response to an incident within the facility which threatens the safety or security of staff or residents. Hand-held electronic immobilization devices are only used during escort of a confined person outside of the secure perimeter of the facility. Circumstances under which reasonable force may be employed include:
(2) Following any use of force, each person who was physically involved shall receive a medical examination by a qualified health care provider, Fla. Stat. § 776.06. Deadly force
Fla. Stat. § 790.001. Definitions Fla. Stat. § 790.01. Carrying concealed weapons
(5) This section does not preclude any prosecution for the use of an electric weapon or device, a dart-firing stun gun, or a self-defense chemical Fla. Stat. § 790.06. License to carry concealed weapon or firearm Fla. Stat. § 790.053. Open carrying of weapons
(3) Any person violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Fla. Stat. § 790.054. Prohibited use of self-defense weapon or device against law enforcement officer; penalties Fla. Stat. § 790.22. Use of BB guns, air or gas-operated guns, or electric weapons or devices by minor under 16; limitation; possession of Fla. Stat. § 790.23. Felons and delinquents; possession of firearms or electric weapons or devices unlawful
(2) This section shall not apply to a person convicted of a felony whose civil rights and firearm authority have been restored. Fla. Stat. § 790.115. Possessing or discharging weapons or firearms at a school-sponsored event or on school property prohibited;
For the purposes of this section, “school” means any preschool, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, secondary school, career Fla. Stat. § 943.1717. Use of dart-firing stun guns
(2) The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission shall establish standards for instructing law enforcement, correctional, and Fla. Stat. § 985.645. Protective action response (Department of Juvenile Justice)
(2) The department shall adopt rules under ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 that:
Fla. Stat. § 784.062. Misuse of laser lighting devices
*Various Florida cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Altamonte | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Georgia | Ga. Code Ann. § 16-5-44.1. Motor vehicle hijacking (a) As used in this Code section:
(b) A person commits the offense of hijacking a motor vehicle when such person while in possession of a firearm or weapon obtains a motor Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-106. Possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain crimes Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-126. Carrying a concealed weapon [TASER not mentioned herein unlike Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1]
(c) This Code section shall not permit, outside of his or her home, motor vehicle, or place of business, the concealed carrying of a pistol, revolver, Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1. Carrying weapons within school safety zones, at school functions, or on school property
Ga. Code Ann. § 35-8-26. TASER and electronic control weapons *Various Georgia cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER® devices, including but not limited to: Atlanta, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hawaii | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-1. Definitions “Electric gun” means any portable device that is electrically operated to project a missile or electromotive force. It does not include any electric livestock prod used in animal husbandry and any automatic external defibrillator used in emergency medical situations. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-16. Restriction on possession, sale, gift, or delivery of electric guns (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, including a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, to possess, offer for sale, hold for sale, sell, give, lend, or deliver any electric gun. (b) Any electric gun in violation of subsection (a) shall be confiscated and disposed of by the chief of police. (c) This section shall not apply to:
provided that electric guns shall at all times remain in the custody and control of the law enforcement officers of the county police departments, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Idaho | Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302D. Possessing weapons or firearms on school property (1) (a) It shall be unlawful and is a misdemeanor for any person to possess a firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon while on the property of a school or in those portions of any building, stadium or other structure on school grounds which, at the time of the violation, were being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school in this state or while riding school provided transportation.
(2) Definitions. As used in this section:
Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3325. Prohibition–Possession–Use of conducted energy device– Penalties
(2) Use of a conducted energy device during the commission of a felony offense shall constitute a separate felony offense. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Illinois | Ill. Comp. Stat. § 430 ILCS 65/1. Legislative declaration It is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination that in order to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, it is necessary and in the public interest to provide a system of identifying persons who are not qualified to acquire or possess firearms, firearm ammunition, stun guns, and tasers within the State of Illinois by the establishment of a system of Firearm Owner’s Identification Cards, thereby establishing a practical and workable system by which law enforcement authorities will be afforded an opportunity to identify those persons who are prohibited by Section 24-3.1 of the “Criminal Code of 1961”, as amended, from acquiring or possessing firearms and firearm ammunition and who are prohibited by this Act from acquiring stun guns and tasers.Ill. Comp. Stat. § 430 ILCS 65/2. Firearm Owner’s Identification Card required; exceptions Firearm Owner’s Identification Card required; exceptions. (a)(1) No person may acquire or possess any firearm, stun gun, or taser within this State without having in his or her possession a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by the Department of State Police under the provisions of this Act.
Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by the Department of State Police under the provisions of this Act.
(c) The provisions of this Section regarding the acquisition and possession of firearms, firearm ammunition, stun guns, and tasers do not apply to Ill. Comp. Stat. § 430 ILCS 65/3. Requisites for transfer Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons
(5) Sets a spring gun; or
(8) Carries or possesses any firearm, stun gun or taser or other deadly weapon in any place which is licensed to sell intoxicating beverages, or
A “stun gun or taser”, as used in this paragraph (a) means (i) any device which is powered by electrical charging units, such as, batteries, and
Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6. Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
(b) “Stun gun or taser” as used in this Section has the same definition given to it in Section 24-1 of this Code.
Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24-2. Exemptions
(i) Nothing in this Article shall prohibit, apply to, or affect the transportation, carrying, or possession, of any pistol or revolver, stun gun, taser, or Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24-3. Unlawful Sale of Firearms
Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/31A-1.1. Bringing Contraband into a Penal Institution; Possessing Contraband in a Penal Institution.
Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24.6-5. Definitions Ill. Comp. Stat. § 720 ILCS 5/24.6-20. Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer *Various Illinois cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER® devices, including but not limited to: Aurora; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indiana | Ind. Code § 35-41-1-8. Deadly weapon (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), “deadly weapon” means the following:
(3) An animal (as defined in IC 35-46-3-3) that is:
(4) A biological disease, virus, or organism that is capable of causing serious bodily injury.
Ind. Code § 35-47-2 Carrying of handgun prohibited; exceptions Ind. Code § 35-47-2-2 Excepted persons Ind. Code § 35-47-8-1. “Electronic stun weapon” defined Ind. Code § 35-47-8-2. “Stun gun” defined [not a TASER®] Ind. Code § 35-47-8-3. “Taser” defined Ind. Code § 35-47-8-4 Applicability of handgun provisions Ind. Code § 35-47-8-5 Stun guns; purchase, possession and sale; use in commission of crime; use on law enforcement officer [not a Ind. Code § 35-47-4.5-1 Exceptions (Regulation of Laser Pointers) Ind. Code § 35-47-4.5-2 “Laser pointer” defined Ind. Code § 35-47-4.5-4 Directing laser pointer at public safety officer *Various Indiana cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Avon, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Iowa | Iowa Code § 702.7 Dangerous Weapon A “dangerous weapon” is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, or knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length or any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person. Iowa Code § 724.4 Carrying Weapons1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor. . . . 4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:
k. A person engaged in the business of transporting prisoners under a contract with the Iowa department of corrections or a county sheriff, a
Iowa Code § 724.6 Professional Permit to Carry Weapons Iowa Code § 724.7 Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons Iowa Code § 724.8 Persons Eligible for Permit to Carry Weapons Iowa Admin. Code 681-13.14(262) General rules on use of grounds and facilities. (Iowa State University of Science and Technology – *Various Iowa cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASERECDs, including but not limited to: Blackhawk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kansas | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4201. Criminal use of weapons. (a) Criminal use of weapons is knowingly:
Kan. Stat. Ann. § 72-89a01. Definitions. (Weapon-Free Schools) *Various Kansas cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Lenexa, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kentucky | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 16.220. Public auction of confiscated firearms; disposition of proceeds; Department of Kentucky State Police treatment of transferred firearms (1) Subject to the duty to return confiscated firearms to innocent owners pursuant to KRS 500.090, all firearms confiscated by the Department of Kentucky State Police and not retained for official use pursuant to KRS 500.090 shall be sold at public auction to federally licensed firearms dealers holding a license appropriate for the type of firearm sold. Any provision of KRS Chapter 45 or 45A relating to disposition of property to the contrary notwithstanding, the Department of Kentucky State Police shall:
. . .
In awarding grants under this section, the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security shall give first priority to providing and replacing body armor Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 500.080. Definitions for Kentucky Penal Code
*Various Kentucky cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASERECDs, including but not limited to: Augusta, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Louisiana | La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:2 Definitions . . . (3) “Dangerous weapon” includes any gas, liquid or other substance or instrumentality, which, in the manner used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 37.3. Unlawful use of a laser on a police officer A. Unlawful use of a laser on a police officer is the intentional projection of a laser on or at a police officer without consent of the officer when the offender has reasonable grounds to believe the officer is a police officer acting in the performance of his duty and that the officer will be injured, intimidated, or placed in fear of bodily harm. B. For purposes of this Section the following terms have the following meanings:
*Various Louisiana cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Amite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maine | Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2 Definitions . . . 9. Dangerous Weapon. A. “Use of a dangerous weapon” means the use of a firearm or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is used or threatened to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. B. “Armed with a dangerous weapon” means in actual possession, regardless of whether the possession is visible or concealed, of:
C. When used in any other context, “dangerous weapon” means a firearm or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 1002-A. Criminal use of laser pointers
2. For the purposes of this section, “laser pointer” means a hand-held device that emits a visible light beam amplified by the stimulated emission | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maryland | Md. Code. Ann., Crim. Law § 4-101. Dangerous weapons (a) Definitions. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Nunchaku” means a device constructed of two pieces of any substance, including wood, metal, or plastic, connected by any chain, rope, leather, or other flexible material not exceeding 24 inches in length. (3) (i) “Pepper mace” means an aerosol propelled combination of highly disabling irritant pepper-based products.
(4) “Star knife” means a device used as a throwing weapon, consisting of several sharp or pointed blades arrayed as radially disposed arms about a
Md. Code. Ann., Crim. Law § 4-109. Electronic Control Device. Md. Code. Ann., Crim. Law § 3-806. Misuse of laser pointer
Prohibited *Various Maryland cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Massachusetts | Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 140, § 131J. Sale or possession of electrical weapons; penalties No person shall possess a portable device or weapon from which an electrical current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill, except: (1) a federal, state or municipal law enforcement officer, or member of a special reaction team in a state prison or designated special operations or tactical team in a county correctional facility, acting in the discharge of his official duties who has completed a training course approved by the secretary of public safety in the use of such a devise or weapon designed to incapacitate temporarily; or (2) a supplier of such devices or weapons designed to incapacitate temporarily, if possession of the device or weapon is necessary to the supply or sale of the device or weapon within the scope of such sale or supply enterprise. No person shall sell or offer for sale such device or weapon, except to federal, state or municipal law enforcement agencies. A device or weapon sold under this section shall include a mechanism for tracking the number of times the device or weapon has been fired. The secretary of public safety shall adopt regulations governing who may sell or offer to sell such devices or weapons in the commonwealth and governing law enforcement training on the appropriate use of portable electrical weapons. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not less than 6 months nor more than 2 1/2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment. A law enforcement officer may arrest without a warrant any person whom he has probable cause to believe has violated this section. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michigan | Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f. Possession of license to carry concealed pistol; disclosures to peace officers; offenses and penalties Sec. 5f. (1) An individual who is licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol shall have his or her license to carry that pistol in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology. (2) An individual who is licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology shall show both of the following to a peace officer upon request by that peace officer:
(3) An individual licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electromuscular disruption technology and who is stopped by a peace officer shall immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she is carrying a
. . . Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425g. Pistol carried in violation of act; seizure and forfeiture Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425k. Acceptance of license; implied consent to submit to chemical analysis; under influence of alcohol or
(4) A peace officer who has probable cause to believe an individual is carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device using electro-muscular
Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o. Carrying of concealed pistol on certain premises; carrying of concealed pistol in violation of administrative
(2) Subject to subsection (5), an individual shall not carry a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology on any of the
Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.224a. Sale, offer for sale, or possession of portable device or weapon employing electrical current to
(b) The possession and reasonable use of a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology by an individual who holds a valid license to (3) A manufacturer, authorized importer, or authorized dealer may demonstrate, offer for sale, hold for sale, sell, give, lend, or deliver a device
However, this subdivision does not apply to a launchable device that is used only by law enforcement agencies.
Mich. Comp. Laws § 777.11b. Application of chapter to Michigan Compiled Laws chapter 28; enumerated felonies
Mich. Comp. Laws § 777.16m. Application of chapter to Michigan Compiled Laws chapter 750, sections 750.223 to 750.237; enumerated
*Various Michigan cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Byron | M.C.L. | Category | Class | Description | Stat Max | 28.425o(6)(c) | Pub saf | F | Carrying concealed pistol or electro-muscular disruption device in prohibited place — third or subsequent offense | 4 | M.C.L. | Category | Class | Description | Stat Max | 750.224a(6) | Pub saf | G | Improper use of electro-muscular disruption device | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M.C.L. | Category | Class | Description | Stat Max | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28.425o(6)(c) | Pub saf | F | Carrying concealed pistol or electro-muscular disruption device in prohibited place — third or subsequent offense | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
M.C.L. | Category | Class | Description | Stat Max | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
750.224a(6) | Pub saf | G | Improper use of electro-muscular disruption device | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 326.3361. Training (Private Detectives, Protective Agents) Subdivision 1. Rules. The board shall, by rule, prescribe the requirements, duration, contents, and standards for successful completion of certified training programs for license holders, qualified representatives, Minnesota managers, partners, and employees, including: (1) for those individuals who are armed with a firearm, training in the proper use of, and the risks and dangers arising from the use of, firearms; (2) for those individuals who are armed with a weapon, training in the proper use of, and the risks and dangers arising from the use of, weapons other than firearms, including, but not limited to, bludgeons, nightsticks, batons, chemical weapons, and electronic incapacitation devices, and restraint or immobilization techniques; . . .Minn. Stat. § 609.066. Authorized use of deadly force by peace officers Subdivision 1. Deadly force defined. For the purposes of this section, “deadly force” means force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing, or which the actor should reasonably know creates a substantial risk of causing, death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm, other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and used by a peace officer within the scope of official duties, in the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force. “Less lethal munitions” means projectiles which are designed to stun, temporarily incapacitate, or cause temporary discomfort to a person. “Peace officer” has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1.Minn. Stat. § 609B.345. Possession of tear gas, tear gas compounds, and electronic incapacitation devices; prohibition Section 624.731, subdivision 3, prohibits a person who is prohibited from possessing a pistol pursuant to section 624.713, subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) to (e), from possession of tear gas, tear gas compounds, and electronic incapacitation devices.Minn. Stat. § 609.504. Disarming a Peace Officer. Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, ‘defensive device’ includes a firearm; a dangerous weapon; an authorized tear gas compound, as defined in section 624.731, subdivision 1; an electronic incapacitation device, as defined in section 624.731, subdivision 1; a club or baton; and any item issued by a peace officer’s employer to the officer to assist in the officer’s protection. Subd. 2. Crime described. Whoever intentionally takes possession of a defensive device being carried by a peace officer or from the area within the officer’s immediate control, without the officer’s consent while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duties, is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 3. Subd. 3. Penalty. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years, payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2008, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.Minn. Stat. § 624.731. Tear gas and tear gas compounds; electronic incapacitation devices Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section: (a) “authorized tear gas compound” means a lachrymator or any substance composed of a mixture of a lachrymator including chloroacetophenone, alpha-chloroacetophenone; phenylchloromethylketone, orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as tear gas; and (b) “electronic incapacitation device” means a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current, including devices operating by means of carbon dioxide propellant. “Electronic incapacitation device” does not include cattle prods, electric fences, or other electric devices when used in agricultural, animal husbandry, or food production activities. Subd. 2. Authorized possession; use. (a) A person may possess and use an authorized tear gas compound in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property only if it is propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use, and dated to indicate its anticipated useful life. (b) A person may possess and use an electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property only if the electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use. Subd. 3. Prohibited possession; use. (a) No person under the age of 16 may possess or use an authorized tear gas compound except by written permission of a parent or guardian, and no person under the age of 18 may possess or use an electronic incapacitation device. (b) No person prohibited from possessing a pistol pursuant to section 624.713, subdivision 1, clause (b), may possess or use an authorized tear gas compound or an electronic incapacitation device. (c) No person prohibited from possessing a pistol pursuant to section 624.713, subdivision 1, clauses (c) to (e), may possess or use an authorized tear gas compound or an electronic incapacitation device, except that the certificate or other proof required for possession of a handgun shall not apply. (d) No person shall possess or use tear gas or a tear gas compound other than an authorized tear gas compound. Subd. 4. Prohibited use. (a) No person shall knowingly, or with reason to know, use tear gas, a tear gas compound, an authorized tear gas compound, or an electronic incapacitation device on or against a peace officer who is in the performance of duties. (b) No person shall use tear gas, a tear gas compound, an authorized tear gas compound, or an electronic incapacitation device except as authorized in subdivision 2 or 6. (c) Tear gas, a tear gas compound, or an electronic incapacitation device shall legally constitute a weapon when it is used in the commission of a crime. (d) No person shall use tear gas or a tear gas compound in an immobilizing concentration against another person, except as otherwise permitted by subdivision 2. Subd. 5. Prohibited sale. Except as permitted by subdivision 6, no person shall knowingly furnish or sell tear gas or a tear gas compound to another person. No person shall knowingly furnish or sell an authorized tear gas compound or an electronic incapacitation device to a person prohibited from possessing it by subdivision 3. No person shall knowingly furnish or sell an authorized tear gas compound or an electronic incapacitation device which fails to meet the requirements of subdivision 2. No tear gas, tear gas compound, authorized tear gas compound, or electronic incapacitation device shall be sold or furnished on premises where 3.2 percent malt liquor as defined in section 340A.101, subdivision 19, is sold on an on-sale basis or where intoxicating liquor as defined in section 340A.101, subdivision 13, is sold on an on-sale or off-sale basis. No person shall sell tear gas, a tear gas compound, authorized tear gas compound, or electronic incapacitation device in violation of local licensing requirements. Subd. 6. Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession or use of by, or the sale or furnishing of, tear gas, a tear gas compound, an authorized tear gas compound, or electronic incapacitation device to, a law enforcement agency, peace officer, the national guard or reserves, or a member of the national guard or reserves for use in their official duties, except that counties and municipalities may impose licensing requirements on sellers pursuant to subdivision 9. Subd. 7. Exemption. Tear gas, tear gas compounds, and authorized tear gas compounds shall not be classified as an obnoxious or harmful gas, fluid, or substance under section 624.732. Subd. 8. Penalties. (a) The following violations of this section shall be considered a felony:
(b) The following violations of this section shall be considered a gross misdemeanor: (1) The prohibited use of tear gas, a tear gas compound, or
(b) There is hereby conferred upon the governing body of each county, statutory or home rule charter city and town in the state the authority to *Various Minnesota cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Bayport, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101. License to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver (1)(a) The Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers to persons qualified as provided in this section. Such licenses shall be valid throughout the state for a period of four (4) years from the date of issuance. Any person possessing a valid license issued pursuant to this section may carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or concealed revolver. (b) The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is carrying a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer. A violation of the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) and shall be enforceable by summons. (2) The Department of Public Safety shall issue a license if the applicant: (a) Is a resident of the state and has been a resident for twelve (12) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application. However, this residency requirement may be waived, provided the applicant possesses a valid permit from another state, is active military personnel stationed in Mississippi or is a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state; (b) Is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; (c) Does not suffer from a physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a stun gun, pistol or revolver; (d) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of having been convicted of a felony in a court of this state, of any other state, or of the United States without having been pardoned for same; (e) Does not chronically or habitually abuse controlled substances to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses controlled substances to the extent that his faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for the abuse of a controlled substance or been found guilty of a crime under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law or similar laws of any other state or the United States relating to controlled substances within a three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; (f) Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed as an alcoholic to a treatment facility or has been convicted of two (2) or more offenses related to the use of alcohol under the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state or the United States within the three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; (g) Desires a legal means to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver to defend himself; (h) Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent, or has waited five (5) years from the date of his restoration to capacity by court order; (i) Has not been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental institution or mental health treatment facility unless he possesses a certificate from a psychiatrist licensed in this state that he has not suffered from disability for a period of five (5) years; (j) Has not had adjudication of guilt withheld or imposition of sentence suspended on any felony unless three (3) years have elapsed since probation or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled; (k) Is not a fugitive from justice; and (l) Is not disqualified to possess or own a weapon based on federal law … (13) No license issued pursuant to this section shall authorize any person to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver into any place of nuisance as defined in Section 95-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972; any police, sheriff or highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison or jail; any courthouse; any courtroom, except that nothing in this section shall preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in his courtroom; any polling place; any meeting place of the governing body of any governmental entity; any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof; any public park unless for the purpose of participating in any authorized firearms-related activity; any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms; any portion of an establishment, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, that is primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages; any portion of an establishment in which beer or light wine is consumed on the premises, that is primarily devoted to such purpose; any elementary or secondary school facility; any junior college, community college, college or university facility unless for the purpose of participating in any authorized firearms-related activity; inside the passenger terminal of any airport, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal if the firearm is encased for shipment, for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft; any church or other place of worship; or any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law. In addition to the places enumerated in this subsection, the carrying of a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver may be disallowed in any place in the discretion of the person or entity exercising control over the physical location of such place by the placing of a written notice clearly readable at a distance of not less than ten (10) feet that the “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.” No license issued pursuant to this section shall authorize the participants in a parade or demonstration for which a permit is required to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver. (14) A law enforcement officer as defined in Section 45-6-3, chiefs of police, sheriffs and persons licensed as professional bondsmen pursuant to Chapter 39, Title 83, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this section. … (19) Any person holding a valid unrevoked and unexpired license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers issued in another state shall have such license recognized by this state to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers, provided that the issuing state authorizes license holders from this state to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers in such issuing state and the appropriate authority has communicated that fact to the Department of Public Safety. … (21) For the purposes of this section, the term “stun gun” means a portable device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure, momentarily stun, knock out, cause mental disorientation or paralyze.Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1. Deadly weapons; carrying while concealed; use or attempt to use; penalties (1) Except as otherwise provided in Section 45-9-101 [Prisons and Prisoners; Probation and Parole], any person who carries, concealed in whole or in part, any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver, or any rifle with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches in length, or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches in length, machine gun or any fully automatic firearm or deadly weapon, or any muffler or silencer for any firearm, whether or not it is accompanied by a firearm, or uses or attempts to use against another person any imitation firearm, shall upon conviction be punished as follows … (2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle. (3) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to or returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, “legitimate weapon-related sports activity” means hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other weapon.*Various Mississippi cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Corinth, Gautier, Greenwood, Meridian, Oxford, Pearl, and Vicksburg. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding their regulations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Missouri | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 556.061. Code definitions (9) “Dangerous instrument” means any instrument, article or substance, which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury; (10) “Deadly weapon” means any firearm, loaded or unloaded, or any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, dagger, billy, blackjack or metal knuckles*Various Missouri cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Arnold, Belton, Clinton, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Grandview, Independence, Jackson, Joplin, Kansas City, Kirksville, Ladue, Lee’s Summit, Licking, Maryland Heights, Olivette, Raytown, Springfield, Sunset Hills, and West Plains. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding their regulations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Montana | Mont. Code Ann. § 45-2-101 General definitions. (79) “Weapon” means an instrument, article, or substance that, regardless of its primary function, is readily capable of being used to produce death or serious bodily injury.*Various Montana cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Great Falls. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding their regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-109. Terms, defined (7) Deadly weapon shall mean any firearm, knife, bludgeon, or other device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or intended to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury*Various Nebraska cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Omaha. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding their regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nevada | Nev. Rev. Stat. §202.357. Electronic stun device: Use prohibited except for self-defense; possession by certain persons prohibited; sale, gift or other provision to certain persons prohibited; penalties 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not use an electronic stun device on another person for any purpose other than selfdefense. 2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not have in his possession or under his custody or control any electronic stun device if he:
3. A child under 18 years of age shall not have in his possession or under his custody or control any electronic stun device.
5. A person who violates the provisions of:
6. A child who violates subsection 3 commits a delinquent act and the court may order the detention of the child in the same manner as if the child
*Various Nevada cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Clark | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:20. Self-Defense Weapons Defined . . . I. “Electronic defense weapon” means an electronically activated non-lethal device which is designed for or capable of producing an electrical charge of sufficient magnitude to immobilize or incapacitate a person temporarily.N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:21. Possession by Felons Prohibited Any person who has been convicted of a felony in this or any other state who possesses an electronic defense weapon away from the premises where he resides shall be guilty of a class B felony. Neither the whole nor any part of a sentence of imprisonment imposed for a violation of this section shall be served concurrently with any other term of imprisonment.N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:22. Restricted Sale Any person who knowingly sells an electronic defense weapon to a person under 18 years of age shall be guilty of a violation.N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:23. Criminal Use of Electronic Defense or Aerosol Self-Defense Spray Weapons I. Any person who uses an electronic defense or aerosol self-defense spray weapon on a law enforcement officer or another person with intent to commit a crime punishable as a misdemeanor shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. II. Any person who uses an electronic defense or aerosol self-defense spray weapon on a law enforcement officer or another person with intent to commit a crime punishable as a felony shall be guilty of a class B felony. III. Neither the whole nor any part of a sentence of imprisonment imposed for a violation of this section shall be served concurrently with any other term of imprisonment.N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 570-A:2. Interception and Disclosure of Telecommunication or Oral Communications Prohibited I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if, except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter or without the consent of all parties to the communication, the person:
(c) Willfully discloses, or endeavors to disclose, to any other person the contents of any telecommunication or oral communication, knowing . . .
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New Jersey | N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-1. Definitions r. “Weapon” means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, all (1) firearms, even though not loaded or lacking a clip or other component to render them immediately operable; (2) components which can be readily assembled into a weapon; (3) gravity knives, switchblade knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, or other dangerous knives, billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, sandclubs, slingshots, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood; and (4) stun guns; and any weapon or other device which projects, releases, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. t. “Stun gun” means any weapon or other device which emits an electrical charge or current intended to temporarily or permanently disable a person.N.J. Stat. Ann.§ 2C:39-3. Prohibited weapons and devices h. Stun guns. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any stun gun is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Mexico | N.M. Stat. § 30-1-12. Definitions . . . B. “deadly weapon” means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; or any weapon which is capable of producing death or great bodily harm, including but not restricted to any types of daggers, brass knuckles, switchblade knives, bowie knives, poniards, butcher knives, dirk knives and all such weapons with which dangerous cuts can be given, or with which dangerous thrusts can be inflicted, including swordcanes, and any kind of sharp pointed canes, also slingshots, slung shots, bludgeons; or any other weapons with which dangerous wounds can be inflicted.*Various New Mexico cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding stun guns and TASER ECDs, including but not limited to: Bernalillo County. Please be sure to check with the local government regarding their regulations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New York | § 265.00. Definitions 15-a. “Electronic dart gun” means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to momentarily stun, knock out or paralyze a person by passing an electrical shock to such person by means of a dart or projectile. 15-c. “Electronic stun gun” means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to stun, cause mental disorientation, knock out or paralyze a person by passing a high voltage electrical shock to such person. § 265.01. Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when: (1) He possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, gravity knife, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sand bag, sandclub, wrist-brace type slingshot or slungshot, shirken or “Kung Fu star”; Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor § 265.02. Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree when: (1) He commits the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree as defined in subdivision one, two, three or five of section 265.01, and has been previously convicted of any crime Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree is a class D felony. 265.20. Exemptions a. Sections 265.01, 265.02, 265.03, 265.04, 265.05, 265.10, 265.11, 265.12, 265.13, 265.15 and 270.05 shall not apply to: 1. Possession of any of the weapons, instruments, appliances or substances specified in sections 265.01, 265.02, 265.03, 265.04, 265.05 and 270.05 by the following: (a) Persons in the military service of the state of New York when duly authorized by regulations issued by the adjutant general to possess the same. (b) Police officers as defined in subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law. (c) Peace officers as defined by section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law. (d) Persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by federal law, regulation or order to possess the same. (e) Persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of the same is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation and testing under the requirements of such contract. … | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina | § 14-269. Carrying concealed weapons (a) It shall be unlawful for any person willfully and intentionally to carry concealed about his person any bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slung shot, loaded cane, metallic knuckles, razor, shurikin, stun gun, or other deadly weapon of like kind, except when the person is on the person’s own premises. (b) This prohibition shall not apply to the following persons: (1) Officers and enlisted personnel of the armed forces of the United States when in discharge of their official duties as such and acting under orders requiring them to carry arms and weapons; (2) Civil and law enforcement officers of the United States while in the discharge of their official duties; (3) Officers and soldiers of the militia and the national guard when called into actual service; (4) Officers of the State, or of any county, city, or town, charged with the execution of the laws of the State, when acting in the discharge of their official duties; (5) Sworn law-enforcement officers, when off-duty, if: a. Written regulations authorizing the carrying of concealed weapons have been filed with the clerk of superior court in the county where the law-enforcement unit is located by the sheriff or chief of police or other superior officer in charge; and b. Such regulations specifically prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons while the officer is consuming or under the influence of alcoholic beverages. (c) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Any person violating the provisions of subsection (a1) of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense is punishable as a Class I felony. § 14-269.2. Weapons on campus or other educational property (b) It shall be a Class I felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol. § 14-415.1. Possession of firearms, etc., by felon prohibited Notes: Subsection (a) encompasses a narrow range of guns, while G.S. 14-269.2(b) prohibits any gun, excluding only a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Dakota | § 62.1-01-01. General definitions 1. “Dangerous weapon” includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches [12.7 centimeters] or more; any throwing star, nunchaku, or other martial arts weapon; any billy, blackjack, sap, bludgeon, cudgel, metal knuckles, or sand club; any slungshot; any bow and arrow, crossbow, or spear; any stun gun; any weapon that will expel, or is readily capable of expelling, a projectile by the action of a spring, compressed air, or compressed gas including any such weapon, loaded or unloaded, commonly referred to as a BB gun, air rifle, or CO2 gun; and any projector of a bomb or any object containing or capable of producing and emitting any noxious liquid, gas, or substance § 62.1-02-02. Sale of handgun regulated — Penalty No person may transfer a handgun to any person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a person prohibited by section 62.1-02-01 from possessing a firearm. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. § 62.1-02-04. Possession of firearm or dangerous weapon in liquor establishment or gaming site prohibited — Penalty — Exceptions Any person who enters or remains in that part of the establishment that is set aside for the retail sale in an establishment engaged in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages or used as a gaming site while in the possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. This section does not apply to: 1. A law enforcement officer. 2. The proprietor. 3. The proprietor’s employee. 4. A designee of the proprietor when the designee is displaying an unloaded firearm or dangerous weapon as a prize or sale item in a raffle or auction. § 62.1-04-02. Carrying concealed firearms or dangerous weapons prohibited No person, other than a law enforcement officer, may carry any firearm or dangerous weapon concealed unless the person is licensed to do so or exempted pursuant to this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, dangerous weapon does not mean a spray or aerosol containing CS (ortho-chlorobenzamalonitrile), CN (alpha-chloroacetophenone), or other irritating agent intended for use in the defense of a person. § 62.1-04-03. License to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed 1. The chief of the bureau of criminal investigation shall issue a license to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed upon review of an application submitted to the chief if the following criteria are met: a. The applicant has a valid reason for carrying the firearm or dangerous weapon concealed, including self-protection, protection of others, or work-related needs. … | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ohio | § 2923.11. Definitions (A) “Deadly weapon” means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oklahoma | § 1287. Use of firearm while committing a felony Any person who, while committing or attempting to commit a felony, possesses a pistol, shotgun or rifle or any other offensive weapon in such commission or attempt, whether the pistol, shotgun or rifle is loaded or not, or who possesses a blank or imitation pistol, shotgun or rifle capable of raising in the mind of one threatened with such device a fear that it is a real pistol, shotgun or rifle, or who possesses an air gun or carbon dioxide or other gas-filled weapon, electronic dart gun, knife, dagger, dirk, switchblade knife, blackjack, ax, loaded cane, billy, hand chain or metal knuckles, in addition to the penalty provided by statute for the felony committed or attempted, upon conviction shall be guilty of a felony for possessing such weapon or device, which shall be a separate offense from the felony committed or attempted and shall be punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a period of not less than two (2) years nor for more than ten (10) years for the first offense, and for a period of not less than ten (10) years nor more than thirty (30) years for any second or subsequent offense. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section after having been issued a concealed handgun license pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act shall have the license permanently revoked and shall be liable for an administrative fine of One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000.00) upon a hearing and determination by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation that the person is in violation of the provisions of this section. § 1272. Unlawful carry [electric dart gun not listed] A. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry upon or about his or her person, or in a purse or other container belonging to the person, any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle whether loaded or unloaded or any dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade knife, spring-type knife, sword cane, knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, blackjack, loaded cane, billy, hand chain, metal knuckles, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed, except this section shall not prohibit: … | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oregon | 161.015. General definitions (1) “Dangerous weapon” means any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury. (6) “Physical force” includes, but is not limited to, the use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace. 163.212. Unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the second degree. (1) A person commits the crime of unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the second degree if the person recklessly discharges an electrical stun gun, tear gas weapon, mace, tear gas, pepper mace or any similar deleterious agent against another person. (2) Unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. 163.213. Unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the first degree. (1) A person commits the crime of unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the first degree if the person knowingly discharges or causes to be discharged any electrical stun gun, tear gas weapon, mace, tear gas, pepper mace or any similar deleterious agent against another person, knowing the other person to be a peace officer, corrections officer, parole and probation officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician or paramedic and while the other person is acting in the course of official duty. (2) Unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the first degree is a Class C felony. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pennsylvania | § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons (a) OFFENSE DEFINED.– A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if, except as authorized by law, he makes repairs, sells, or otherwise deals in, uses, or possesses any offensive weapon. (b) EXCEPTIONS.– (1) It is a defense under this section for the defendant to prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed or dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic performance… (2) This section does not apply to police forensic firearms experts or police forensic firearms laboratories… (3) This section shall not apply to any person who makes, repairs, sells or otherwise deals in, uses or possesses any firearm for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth. (c) DEFINITIONS.– As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: “Firearm.” Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. “Offensive weapons.” Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. § 908.1. Use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device (a) OFFENSE DEFINED.– Except as set forth in subsection (b), a person commits an offense if the person does any of the following: (1) Uses an electric or electronic incapacitation device on another person for an unlawful purpose. (2) Possesses, with intent to violate paragraph (1), an electric or electronic incapacitation device. (b) SELF DEFENSE.– A person may possess and use an electric or electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property pursuant to Chapter 5 (relating to general principles of justification) if the electric or electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the damages involved in its use. (c) PROHIBITED POSSESSION.– No person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to section 6105 (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms) may possess or use an electric or electronic incapacitation device. (d) GRADING.– An offense under subsection (a) shall constitute a felony of the second degree if the actor acted with the intent to commit a felony. Otherwise any offense under this section is graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree. (e) EXCEPTIONS.– Nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession or use by, or the sale or furnishing of any electric or electronic incapacitation device to, a law enforcement agency, peace officer, employee of a correctional institution, county jail or prison or detention center, the National Guard or reserves or a member of the National Guard or reserves for use in their official duties. (f) DEFINITION.– As used in this section, the term “electric or electronic incapacitation device” means a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current, including devices operating by means of carbon dioxide propellant. The term does not include cattle prods, electric fences or other electric devices when used in agricultural, animal husbandry or food production activities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rhode Island | § 11-47-42. Weapons other than firearms prohibited (a) (1) No person shall carry or possess or attempt to use against another any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, slap glove, bludgeon, stun-gun, or the so called “Kung-Fu” weapons, nor shall any person, with intent to use unlawfully against another, carry or possess a dagger, dirk, stiletto, sword-in-cane, bowie knife, or other similar weapon designed to cut and stab another, nor shall any person wear or carry concealed upon his person, any of the above-mentioned instruments or weapons, or any razor, or knife of any description having a blade of more than three (3) inches in length measuring from the end of the handle where the blade is attached to the end of the blade, or other weapon of like kind or description. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($ 1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and the weapon so found shall be confiscated. (2) Any person violating the provisions of this subsection while he or she is incarcerated within the confines of the adult correctional institutions shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($ 1,000) nor more than three thousand dollars ($ 3,000), or by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five (5) years, or both, and the weapon so found shall be confiscated. (b) No person shall sell to a person under eighteen (18) years of age, without the written authorization of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, any stink bomb, blackjack, slingshot, bill, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, slap glove, bludgeon, stun-gun, paint ball gun, so called “kung-fu” weapons, dagger, dirk, stiletto, sword-in-cane, bowie knife, razor… Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($ 1,000) nor more than three thousand dollars ($ 3,000), or by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five (5) years, or both, and the weapons so found shall be confiscated. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Carolina | § 16-23-10. Definitions. (a) “Pistol” means any firearm designed to expel a projectile and designed to be fired from the hand, but shall not include any firearm generally recognized or classified as an antique, curiosity, or collector’s item, or any that does not fire fixed cartridges. (c) The term “crime of violence” means murder, manslaughter (except negligent manslaughter arising out of traffic accidents), rape, mayhem, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, housebreaking, assault with intent to kill, commit rape, or rob, assault with a dangerous weapon, or assault with intent to commit any offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. § 16-23-460. Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture of weapons. Any person carrying a deadly weapon usually used for the infliction of personal injury concealed about his person is guilty of a misdemeanor, must forfeit to the county, or, if convicted in a municipal court, to the municipality the concealed weapon, and must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days. Nothing herein contained may be construed to apply to (1) persons carrying concealed weapons upon their own premises or pursuant to and in compliance with Article 4 of Chapter 31 of Title 23, or (2) peace officers in the actual discharge of their duties. The provisions of this section do not apply to rifles, shotguns, dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, or razors unless they are used with the intent to commit a crime or in furtherance of a crime. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Dakota | § 22-1-2. Definition of terms (50) “Stun gun,” any battery-powered, pulsed electrical device of high voltage and low or no amperage that can disrupt the central nervous system and cause temporary loss of voluntary muscle control of a person § 22-14-13.1. Commission of felony while armed with stun gun — Consecutive sentencing Any person who commits or attempts to commit any felony when armed with a stun gun is guilty of a Class 5 felony for the first conviction. A second or subsequent conviction is a Class 3 felony. Any sentence imposed under this section shall be consecutive to any other sentences imposed for a violation of the principal felony. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tennessee | §39-11-106. Title definitions (5) “Deadly weapon” means: (A) A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or (B) Anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury § 62-35-118. Registration cards — Training and examination of applicants (5) For applicants for private security officer/guard registration who will carry a club, stun gun, chemical spray, night stick, or other less than lethal device, the commissioner shall require appropriate training specific to such device by a certified trainer who is certified to instruct for such specific device. It shall be the employers’ responsibility to keep training records of their employees for each specific device. The security officer/guard shall also have in such person’s possession a certification card issued by an instructor/trainer who is certified to instruct/train in the legal use of such specific device and shall exhibit such card upon demand by the commissioner or the commissioner’s duly authorized agent or any full-time law enforcement officer. § 62-35-125. Carrying of weapons by guards or officers An armed security officer/guard may carry only such types of firearms as the commissioner shall, by rules and regulations, prescribe in the performance of such person’s duties. A security officer/guard may carry a firearm only if certified to carry such firearm. With proper certification, an unarmed or armed security officer/guard may carry any other type weapon to include, but not be limited to, clubs/batons, stun guns, the chemical spray known as “mace,” or any other tool or weapon that the commissioner may prescribe. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Texas | § 46.01. Definitions [includes definitions of 9 weapons listed in §46.05] § 46.02. Unlawful Carrying Weapons (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club. § 46.05. Prohibited Weapons (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs, or sells: (1) an explosive weapon;(2) a machine gun; (3) a short-barrel firearm; (4) a firearm silencer; (5) a switchblade knife; (6) knuckles; (7) armor-piercing ammunition; (8) a chemical dispensing device; or (9) a zip gun. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Utah | § 76-10-501. Definitions (5) (a) “Dangerous weapon” means any item that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. The following factors shall be used in determining whether a knife, or any other item, object, or thing not commonly known as a dangerous weapon is a dangerous weapon: (i) the character of the instrument, object, or thing; (ii) the character of the wound produced, if any; (iii) the manner in which the instrument, object, or thing was used; and (iv) the other lawful purposes for which the instrument, object, or thing may be used. § 76-10-2501. Unlawful use of a laser pointer — Definitions — Penalties (1) As used in this section: (a) “Laser light” means light that is amplified by stimulated emission of radiation. (b) “Laser pointer” means any portable device that emits a visible beam of laser light that may be directed at a person. (c) “Law enforcement officer” means an officer under Section 53-13-103. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a laser pointer if the person directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at: (a) a moving motor vehicle or its occupants; or (b) one whom the person knows or has reason to know is a law enforcement officer. (3) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Subsection (2)(b) that: (a) the law enforcement officer was: (i) not in uniform; (ii) not traveling in a vehicle identified as a law enforcement vehicle; and (iii) not otherwise engaged in an activity that would give the person reason to know him to be a law enforcement officer; and (b) the law enforcement officer was not otherwise known by the person to be a law enforcement officer. (4) Violation of Subsection (2)(a) is an infraction. Violation of Subsection (2)(b) is a class C misdemeanor. (5) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of Title 76, Utah Criminal Code, than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vermont | § 4003. Carrying dangerous weapons A person who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon, openly or concealed, with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man, or who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon within any state institution or upon the grounds or lands owned or leased for the use of such institution, without the approval of the warden or superintendent of the institution, shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $ 200.00, or both. § 4016. Weapons in court [Definitions] (2) “Dangerous or deadly weapon” means any firearm, or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virginia | § 18.2-308.1. Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited A. If any person possesses any (i) stun weapon or taser as defined in this section, (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches, or (iii) weapon, including a weapon of like kind, designated in subsection A of § 18.2-308, other than a firearm, upon (a) the property of any public, private or parochial elementary, middle or high school, including buildings and grounds, (b) that portion of any property open to the public used for school sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place, or (c) any school bus owned or operated by any such school, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. … The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of the school’s curriculum or activities, (ii) a person possessing a knife customarily used for food preparation or service and using it for such purpose, (iii) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of any program sponsored or facilitated by either the school or any organization authorized by the school to conduct its programs either on or off the school premises, (iv) any law-enforcement officer while engaged in his duties as such, (v) any person who possesses a knife or blade which he uses customarily in his trade… As used in this section: “Stun weapon” means any mechanism that is (i) designed to emit an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge that exceeds the equivalency of a five milliamp 60 hertz shock and (ii) used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person; and “Taser” means any mechanism that is (i) designed to emit an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge or shock through the use of a projectile and (ii) used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person. § 18.2-308.2. Possession or transportation of firearms, stun weapons, tasers or concealed weapons by convicted felons; penalties… A. It shall be unlawful for (i) any person who has been convicted of a felony or (ii) any person under the age of 29 who was found guilty as a juvenile 14 years of age or older at the time of the offense of a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult, whether such conviction or adjudication occurred under the laws of this Commonwealth, or any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States or any territory thereof, to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport any firearm or stun weapon or taser as defined by § 18.2-308.1 or to knowingly and intentionally carry about his person, hidden from common observation, any weapon described in subsection A of § 18.2-308. However, such person may possess in his residence or the curtilage thereof a stun weapon or taser as defined by § 18.2-308.1. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any person who violates this section by knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm and who was previously convicted of a violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805 shall not be eligible for probation, and shall be sentenced to a minimum, mandatory term of imprisonment of five years. Any person who violates this section by knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm and who was previously convicted of any other felony shall not be eligible for probation, and shall be sentenced to a minimum, mandatory term of imprisonment of two years. The minimum, mandatory terms of imprisonment prescribed for violations of this section shall not be suspended in whole or in part and shall be served consecutively with any other sentence. Any firearm, stun weapon or taser as defined by § 18.2-308.1, or any concealed weapon possessed, transported or carried in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth and disposed of as provided in § 18.2-310. C. Any person prohibited from possessing, transporting or carrying a firearm, stun weapon or taser under subsection A, may petition the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which he resides for a permit to possess or carry a firearm, stun weapon or taser… | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington | § 9.41.250 Dangerous weapons — Penalty. Every person who: (1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement; (2) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or (3) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. § 9.41.270 Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm — Unlawful carrying or handling — Penalty — Exceptions. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. (2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person shall lose his or her concealed pistol license, if any. The court shall send notice of the revocation to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
West Virginia | §61-7-2. Definitions. (9) “Deadly weapon” means an instrument which is designed to be used to produce serious bodily injury or death or is readily adaptable to such use. The term “deadly weapon” shall include, but not be limited to, the instruments defined in subdivisions (1) through (8), inclusive, of this section or other deadly weapons of like kind or character which may be easily concealed on or about the person. For the purposes of section one-a, article five, chapter eighteen-a of this code and section eleven-a, article seven of this chapter, in addition to the definition of “knife” set forth in subdivision (3) of this section, the term “deadly weapon” also includes any instrument included within the definition of “knife” with a blade of three and one-half inches or less in length. Additionally, for the purposes of section one-a, article five, chapter eighteen-a of this code and section eleven-a, article seven of this chapter, the term “deadly weapon” includes explosive, chemical, biological and radiological materials. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the term “deadly weapon” does not include any item or material owned by the school or county board, intended for curricular use, and used by the student at the time of the alleged offense solely for curricular purposes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wisconsin | § 941.295 Possession of electric weapon. (1) Whoever sells, transports, manufactures, possesses or goes armed with any electric weapon is guilty of a Class H felony. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to: (a) Any peace officer. (b) Any armed forces or national guard personnel while on official duty. (c) Any corrections personnel in the department of corrections while on official duty. (d) Any manufacturer or seller whose electric weapons are used in this state solely by persons specified in pars. (a) to (c). (e) Any common carrier transporting electric weapons. (3) During the first 30 days after May 7, 1982, the electric weapons may be surrendered to any peace officer. Peace officers shall forward electric weapons to the crime laboratories if the retention of those weapons is not necessary for criminal prosecution purposes. (4) In this section, “electric weapon” means any device which is designed, redesigned, used or intended to be used, offensively or defensively, to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of electric current. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wyoming | 6 1 104. Definitions (a) As used in W.S. 6 1 101 through 6 10 203 unless otherwise defined: iv) “Deadly weapon” means but is not limited to a firearm, explosive or incendiary material, motorized vehicle, an animal or other device, instrument, material or substance, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury |
| Thank you for visiting our web site. Your concerns are important to us. We here at BestStunGun.com are dedicated to providing the most updated and accurate information. The following section is designed to address some of the questions or concerns you may have. If you have any other questions regarding stun gun laws and restrictions, please contact us. We will make every effort to address your questions promptly and thoroughly.
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Absolutely no sales to minors under 18 years of age or any person who falls in one of the following categories: convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for any terms; fugitive from Justice (requires interstate flight to avoid prosecution or testimony in a criminal case); drug users or addicts (may be shown by recent conviction for use, recent possession of drugs, or recent arrest for use of drugs, or positive drug tests); aliens illegally or unlawfully within the US or those lawfully admitted in non-immigrant status (i.e. aliens without permanent residence status); mental defectives or persons committed to a mental institution; formally renounced US citizenship; dishonorably discharged from the military; subject to a court order prohibiting harassing, stalking, or threatening of an intimate partner or child of an intimate partner or placing such persons in reasonable fear of bodily injury; and convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. It is the responsibility of the buyer and not the seller (BestStunGun.com) to ascertain and obey all applicable federal, state and local laws in regard to the possession and use of all products on this site. By placing an order the buyer represents that he/she is of legal age, he/she does not fall in one of the above categories and that the products will be used in a legal manner. BestStunGun.com can assume any liability for the use of these products and recommend the buyer become familiar with the laws in their city, state, province, that regulates the use and possession of these products. Consult your local and state authority before ordering if you are in doubt.
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Thank you for visiting our web site. Your concerns are important to us. We here at BestStunGun.com are dedicated to providing the most updated and accurate information. The following section is designed to address some of the questions or concerns you may have. If you have any other questions regarding stun gun laws and restrictions, please contact us. We will make every effort to address your questions promptly and thoroughly.
Liability Disclaimer
Absolutely no sales to minors under 18 years of age or any person who falls in one of the following categories: convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for any terms; fugitive from Justice (requires interstate flight to avoid prosecution or testimony in a criminal case); drug users or addicts (may be shown by recent conviction for use, recent possession of drugs, or recent arrest for use of drugs, or positive drug tests); aliens illegally or unlawfully within the US or those lawfully admitted in non-immigrant status (i.e. aliens without permanent residence status); mental defectives or persons committed to a mental institution; formally renounced US citizenship; dishonorably discharged from the military; subject to a court order prohibiting harassing, stalking, or threatening of an intimate partner or child of an intimate partner or placing such persons in reasonable fear of bodily injury; and convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. It is the responsibility of the buyer and not the seller (BestStunGun.com) to ascertain and obey all applicable federal, state and local laws in regard to the possession and use of all products on this site. By placing an order the buyer represents that he/she is of legal age, he/she does not fall in one of the above categories and that the products will be used in a legal manner. BestStunGun.com can assume any liability for the use of these products and recommend the buyer become familiar with the laws in their city, state, province, that regulates the use and possession of these products. Consult your local and state authority before ordering if you are in doubt.
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