Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in GA?

Brass Knuckles Georgia Law

Updated July 9, 2024

In Georgia, brass knuckles are legal to possess as long as they are not carried in a concealed manner. Laws on brass knuckles vary among states, so be very mindful if you are traveling with brass knuckles in your possession.

Even if Georgia does not specifically ban brass knuckles, they are listed as a dangerous weapon. Those who carry them in a concealed manner could be accused of a crime, even if the items were not going to be used.

O.C.G.A. 16-11-126: The Law in Georgia

(a) A person commits the offens e of carrying a concealed weapon when such person knowingly has or carries about his or her person, unless in an open manner and fully exposed to view, any bludgeon, metal knuckles, firearm, knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character outside of his or her home or place of business, except as permitted under this Code section.

(b) Upon conviction of the offense of carrying a concealed weapon, a person shall be punished as follows:

• (1) For the first offense, he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
• (2) For the second offense, and for any subsequent offense, he or she shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than two years and not more than five years.

Furnishing Brass Knuckles to Minors

Additionally, under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-101, it is illegal for a person to knowingly sell or furnish to a person under 18 years of age knuckles, whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood or other similar material, or a knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense.

A conviction for furnishing knuckles to a minor (under 18 years old) which can result in a fine up to $5,000, jail time up to one year, or both.

Why are brass knuckles viewed negatively?

When it comes to crimes, the reason “knuckles” are considered dangerous is the ability of the hardened metal to lacerate the skin, tissues, and muscles, bruise the body, and shatter bone. Unlike a normal hit to the face with skin-to-skin contact, the addition of metal bars can cause serious harm to the victim. While rare, attacks using brass knuckles can be deadly due to the force of the deadly weapon.

Source: FindLaw, “Brass Knuckles and the Law” accessed Jan. 01, 2016

Footnotes & Credits

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