Brass Knuckle Laws in Colorado (2026): Penalties Are Serious
Most people don’t realize brass knuckles are completely illegal in Colorado. No exceptions. No permits. Just don’t have them. But every year, people get arrested because they thought the rules were different. Let me break down exactly what you need to know about brass knuckle laws in Colorado.
The rules are stricter than you might think. And the penalties? They can seriously mess up your life. Stay with me here.
What Are Brass Knuckles?
Brass knuckles are metal weapons you wear over your knuckles. They make your punch way more powerful and way more dangerous. Colorado law calls them “metallic knuckles” in the official statute.
They can cause broken bones and serious injuries. That’s why they’re banned. Some people call them knuckle dusters or knucks. Doesn’t matter what you call them. They’re all illegal in Colorado.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Colorado?
Yes. Totally illegal.
Colorado law bans brass knuckles completely. You can’t own them. You can’t carry them. You can’t buy them or sell them. Under Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-102, brass knuckles are classified as an “illegal weapon.”
Here’s what counts as brass knuckles in Colorado. Any metal weapon worn over your knuckles to increase punch damage. This includes traditional brass ones, steel ones, aluminum ones, or any other metal version. The material doesn’t matter. If it’s metal knuckles designed to hurt someone, it’s illegal.
What About Plastic or Novelty Brass Knuckles?
Good question. This one confuses a lot of people.
The law specifically says “metallic knuckles.” So technically, plastic versions aren’t covered by the statute. But hold on. That doesn’t mean you’re safe.
If you use plastic knuckles to hurt someone, you can still face assault charges. The weapon becomes whatever you used to commit the crime. Plus, many police officers won’t know or care about the legal difference when they arrest you.
My advice? Don’t mess with any version of brass knuckles in Colorado. Plastic, rubber, resin, whatever. Not worth the risk.
Colorado’s Brass Knuckle Law Explained
Let me get specific about the actual law. Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-102 defines illegal weapons. Brass knuckles fall into this category alongside blackjacks, gas guns, and ballistic knives.
The law says you can’t “knowingly possess” an illegal weapon. What does “knowingly possess” mean? It means you know the weapon is there and you have control over it. This includes keeping brass knuckles in your home, your car, your backpack, or anywhere else.
You don’t have to be carrying them on your body to break the law. Having them in your glove compartment counts. Having them in your bedroom drawer counts. If you know they’re there and you control them, you possess them.
Penalties for Possessing Brass Knuckles in Colorado
Okay, this part is important. Brass knuckle possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado. That might sound minor, but it’s actually the most serious type of misdemeanor.
Here’s what you’re looking at if convicted:
You could face up to 364 days in county jail. That’s almost a full year. The judge can also hit you with a fine between $500 and $1,000. Many people get both jail time and fines.
Now, not everyone convicted goes to jail. First-time offenders sometimes get probation instead. But that’s not guaranteed. The judge decides based on your case.
A Class 1 misdemeanor stays on your criminal record. This can affect job applications, housing, and more. Employers run background checks. Landlords run background checks. A weapons conviction raises red flags.
Can You Use Brass Knuckles for Self-Defense?
No. Absolutely not.
I get it. People want to protect themselves. But brass knuckles aren’t a legal self-defense tool in Colorado. The state has banned them completely. You can’t carry them for protection.
Colorado allows other self-defense options. Pepper spray is legal. Stun guns are legal for adults. You don’t need a permit for either one. Those are your better choices.
If you use brass knuckles to defend yourself, you’ll face criminal charges for possessing them. Plus, using them in a fight can lead to additional assault charges. Even if you were defending yourself, you broke the law by having them in the first place.
What If You Didn’t Know They Were Illegal?
Not knowing the law isn’t a defense. Seriously. “I didn’t know” won’t help you in court.
But wait. There is one possible defense. If you truly didn’t know the brass knuckles were in your possession, that’s different. For example, maybe someone left them in your car without telling you. Or a roommate hid them in a shared space.
You have to prove you had no idea they were there. That’s tough to do. The prosecutor will argue you should have known what was in your own property.
Can You Own Brass Knuckles as a Collector?
Nope. Colorado doesn’t make exceptions for collectors.
Some states allow brass knuckles if you’re collecting them as historical items or displaying them. Colorado is not one of those states. The law bans possession completely. No collector’s exemption. No display exemption. No antique exemption.
Don’t buy brass knuckles at flea markets or antique stores. Don’t order them online. Don’t bring them back from other states where they’re legal. Once you’re in Colorado with them, you’re breaking the law.
What Happens If Police Find Brass Knuckles on You?
You’ll probably get arrested. Police take weapons charges seriously.
Here’s the typical process. The officer will arrest you for possessing an illegal weapon. You’ll be taken to jail and booked. You’ll face charges in county court. Then you’ll need to deal with the legal consequences.
The brass knuckles will be seized as evidence. You won’t get them back. They’re contraband. The police will destroy them eventually.
Brass Knuckles and Assault Charges
Using brass knuckles in a fight makes everything worse. Way worse.
If you hurt someone with brass knuckles, you’ll face assault charges on top of the weapons charge. Assault with a weapon is more serious than regular assault. The penalties are harsher. The judges are less sympathetic.
Second-degree assault in Colorado is a felony. That means prison time, not just county jail. You could be looking at years behind bars if you seriously injure someone with brass knuckles.
This isn’t like a fistfight. Weapons change everything in the eyes of the law.
Can You Buy Brass Knuckles in Colorado?
Technically, stores can’t legally sell them in Colorado. But you might still see them for sale sometimes. Online retailers ship to Colorado addresses. Some shops sell them as “paperweights” or “belt buckles.”
Don’t fall for it. If it’s designed to be worn over your knuckles and used as a weapon, it’s illegal to possess. The seller calling it something else doesn’t change the law.
Buying brass knuckles is just as illegal as possessing them. Don’t order them online. Don’t buy them at conventions or markets. You’re setting yourself up for criminal charges.
What About Brass Knuckle Jewelry?
Still illegal. Colorado’s law specifically mentions this.
Some people wear brass knuckle necklaces or rings. They think wearing it as jewelry makes it legal. Wrong. The law says brass knuckles are illegal “whether they are used as jewelry, accessories, or anything else exhibiting them.”
If it looks like brass knuckles, it’s probably illegal. The way you wear it doesn’t matter.
Defenses Against Brass Knuckle Charges
Wondering if you have any options? Let me break down the possible defenses.
The most common defense is lack of knowledge. You didn’t know the brass knuckles were there. Maybe someone planted them. Maybe you bought something used and didn’t check thoroughly. This defense is hard to prove, but it’s possible.
Another defense is illegal search and seizure. If police found the brass knuckles during an illegal search, the evidence might get thrown out. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches. Your lawyer can challenge how the police discovered the weapon.
A third defense is that the weapon wasn’t actually operable. If the brass knuckles were broken beyond repair, they might not count as an illegal weapon. But this is a tough sell. You’d have to prove they couldn’t possibly be used or fixed.
You could also argue you’re exempt from the law. Colorado law makes exceptions for peace officers and military members acting in their official duties. If you’re a cop or soldier and had brass knuckles as part of your job, that’s a valid defense.
These defenses don’t work for everyone. You need a lawyer to evaluate your specific situation.
Colorado vs. Other States: How Do the Laws Compare?
Every state handles brass knuckles differently. Some states allow them. Some ban them completely like Colorado. Some have weird in-between rules.
Texas lets you own and carry brass knuckles if you’re over 21. Arizona is the same way. Montana allows them too. These states treat brass knuckles more like regular self-defense tools.
California bans them completely like Colorado. Illinois also has a total ban. Massachusetts makes possession a felony. These states take brass knuckles very seriously.
Some states let you own brass knuckles but not carry them. Florida works this way. You can keep them at home, but not in public without a permit.
Colorado falls into the “total ban” category. The rules here are strict. If you’re traveling from another state, leave your brass knuckles at home.
What Should You Do If You’re Charged?
First things first: get a lawyer. Seriously. Don’t try to handle this yourself.
A criminal defense attorney knows how to challenge weapons charges. They understand the defenses I mentioned earlier. They can negotiate with prosecutors. They might get charges reduced or dismissed.
Don’t talk to police without a lawyer present. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Anything you say can hurt your case later. Even if you think you’re explaining yourself, you might accidentally incriminate yourself.
Don’t post about your case on social media. Prosecutors look at social media. Anything you post can be used against you. Keep your case offline until it’s resolved.
Show up to all your court dates. Missing court makes everything worse. You could face additional charges. The judge might issue a warrant. Just show up, even if it’s stressful.
How to Stay Legal in Colorado
Want to avoid brass knuckle charges? Pretty straightforward.
Don’t buy brass knuckles. Don’t accept them as gifts. Don’t bring them from other states. Just leave them alone completely.
If you want self-defense tools, choose legal ones. Pepper spray works well and it’s legal in Colorado. You can buy it without a permit. Stun guns are also legal for adults. These give you protection without the legal risk.
Take a self-defense class instead. Learning proper techniques is more effective than carrying a weapon anyway. Plus, you’ll never face weapons charges for knowing martial arts.
Can Previous Offenders Possess Brass Knuckles?
No way. If you’re already a convicted felon or have previous weapons charges, possessing brass knuckles is even more serious.
Colorado has laws about “possession of weapons by previous offenders.” If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes, you can’t possess any weapons. This includes brass knuckles, guns, knives, and other dangerous items.
The penalties for previous offenders are harsher. You could face felony charges instead of misdemeanor charges. Prison time becomes more likely. The law assumes you should know better.
If you’re on probation or parole, possessing brass knuckles will violate your supervision. You could go back to jail or prison. Your probation officer won’t be understanding about this.
What About Brass Knuckles in Your Luggage?
Don’t pack brass knuckles when you travel. Not in checked bags. Not in carry-on bags. Not anywhere.
TSA will find them at the airport. They’ll confiscate them and call local police. You could face charges right there at the airport. Your trip will be ruined before it even starts.
If you’re driving into Colorado with brass knuckles, get rid of them before you cross the state line. Throw them away. Mail them back home. Do whatever you need to do. Just don’t bring them into Colorado.
Brass Knuckles and Minors
If you’re under 18, possessing brass knuckles is still illegal. The same laws apply to minors and adults.
But minors might face different consequences. Juvenile court handles cases for people under 18. The focus is usually on rehabilitation instead of punishment. You might get probation, community service, or counseling instead of jail time.
That doesn’t mean it’s no big deal. A juvenile record can still affect your future. College applications ask about criminal history. Some jobs won’t hire people with weapons convictions, even juvenile ones.
Parents can also face charges if they knowingly let their kids have brass knuckles. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a separate crime. Don’t give your kids brass knuckles. Don’t let them keep brass knuckles they bought or found.
Recent Changes to Colorado Weapons Laws
Colorado updates its weapons laws regularly. In recent years, the state has focused on gun control and concealed carry permits. But the brass knuckles ban has stayed the same.
There’s no movement to legalize brass knuckles in Colorado. The legislature hasn’t proposed any bills to change the law. Don’t expect brass knuckles to become legal anytime soon.
Some local jurisdictions have their own additional weapons rules. Denver, Colorado Springs, and other cities might have extra restrictions. Always check local laws when you’re traveling around the state.
Where to Find Help
If you’re facing brass knuckle charges, you need resources. Here’s where to start.
The Colorado Public Defender’s office helps people who can’t afford a lawyer. If you qualify financially, you can get free legal representation. Call them as soon as you’re charged.
The Colorado Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with criminal defense attorneys in your area. Many offer free consultations to discuss your case.
Local legal aid organizations might help too. They provide free or low-cost legal services to people in need. Check if you qualify for their assistance.
Don’t wait to get help. The sooner you have a lawyer, the better your chances of a good outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you carry brass knuckles in Colorado with a concealed carry permit?
No. Concealed carry permits only cover firearms in Colorado. They don’t let you carry brass knuckles. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess at all, regardless of any permits you have.
What’s the difference between brass knuckles and other illegal weapons in Colorado?
Colorado classifies weapons into “dangerous weapons” and “illegal weapons.” Brass knuckles are illegal weapons, which are Class 1 misdemeanors. Dangerous weapons like machine guns are Class 5 felonies with harsher penalties.
Can you get brass knuckle charges expunged in Colorado?
Maybe. Colorado allows some misdemeanor convictions to be sealed after a waiting period. You’d need to complete your sentence and wait. Then you can petition the court. Success depends on your criminal history and other factors.
Are brass knuckles legal in any part of Colorado?
No. The state law applies everywhere in Colorado. Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, rural areas, everywhere. Some cities might have additional restrictions, but nowhere in Colorado are brass knuckles legal.
What if someone gave you brass knuckles as a gift?
You’re still breaking the law by possessing them. It doesn’t matter how you got them. Give them back, throw them away, or turn them in to police. Just don’t keep them.
Final Thoughts
Colorado doesn’t mess around with brass knuckles. The ban is clear and the penalties are real. Up to 364 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. That’s serious stuff.
If you have brass knuckles, get rid of them. If you’re thinking about buying them, don’t. If you’re charged with possessing them, get a lawyer immediately. This isn’t something to handle on your own.
Choose legal self-defense options instead. Pepper spray, stun guns, and self-defense training all work better anyway. They keep you safe without putting you at risk of criminal charges.
Stay informed and stay legal. Now you know the rules.
References
- Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-102 – Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-18.pdf
- Colorado Revised Statutes 18-1.3-501 – Misdemeanors classified https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-18/article-1-3/part-5/section-18-1-3-501/
- Colorado Legislative Council Staff – Crime Classification Guide (Misdemeanors) https://leg.colorado.gov/publications/crime-classification-guide
- Senate Bill 21-271 – Misdemeanor Reform http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-271
- Colorado Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service https://www.cobar.org
