No, Brass knuckles are not illegal in Arizona. You can own a brass knuckle in Arizona and just be fine. But the real problem isn’t about owning them; it is when you use them, and that is precisely when you’ll get in legal trouble. That’s pretty much how law works. So no, owning one can’t put you at any risk, but using one certainly will. Plain and simple!
What’s the Deal with Brass Knuckles in Arizona?
Well, by now, pretty much everybody know that brass knuckles are the kind of maces made out of metal or maybe hard plastic which are put on one’s fingers to help attacks of one’s fists to be of greater impact. Maybe you have come across them while watching a movie or through a store window or a shelf somewhere, but the fact is that they can harm a person severely in case of incorrect usage.
So the main question is: can you legally possess brass knuckles in Arizona? That’s what you came here searching for, right? Well, there are people who claim that they are legal, and those who say the opposite. The truth? It is dependent on your location and your actions. We analyze it piece by piece.
Arizona Law on Brass Knuckles (2025)
Brass knuckles can be legally owned and carried in Arizona as of 2025. Plain and simple! No confusion whatsoever! Having them does not require a separate permit. The legislation governing weapons in the state is pretty lenient and permits people over 21 years of age to carry lethal weapons, such as brass knuckles, without any limitations.
Keep in mind, having them is not equivalent to using them. In case you injure someone with brass knuckles, it will be considered a felony assault case, as they are categorized as a lethal weapon; no two ways about that at all. Your time for making a mistake is very limited if you want to avoid getting caught up in serious legal trouble.
City Laws: Where They’re Not Allowed
Even though the state says they’re legal, some Arizona cities have their own bans.
- Phoenix: illegal to carry brass or metal knuckles.
- Tempe: banned for both adults and minors.
- Chandler & Gilbert: minors can’t carry them, but adults can.
Therefore, the legality of such action varies from city to city, and you could be totally okay or even be violating the law without having any clue whatsoever.
When Lawmakers Tried to Ban Them
In 2024, the lawmakers in Arizona sought to prohibit the use of brass knuckles across the entire state in an attempt to reduce the occurrences of violent acts. And? Well, from the very get-go, the plan was to make the streets safer; however, the proposal didn’t get enough support. Individuals against the measure claimed that the ban would infringe the right to bear arms; hence, the bill was abandoned straight up. Consequently, the use of brass knuckles is still permitted according to the local legislation.
2025 Update: New Rule for Minors
Senator John Kavanagh was the one who brought the Senate Bill 1290 aimed at minors to the Senate in 2025. That’s the most recent update about it all! According to this law, the purchase or carrying of brass knuckles by any person under the age of 18 is prohibited. Being found with them is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can imply a monetary fine or other types of punishments.
This idea for legislation has its origins in the series of teen-on-teen violent attacks that have been happening in the East Valley for some time now. The “Gilbert Goons” gang, which, among other things, had been using brass knuckles in their assaults, was involved in one where a youngster was killed as a result of the violence.
