Stun guns are not legal in all 50 states.
Every state has its own regulations when it comes to selling, buying or using a stun gun. While some have legalized the use of stun guns with restrictions, other states have banned them altogether. Penalties for illegally owning or operating a stun gun typically include fines and/or imprisonment. Police have the legal right to use stun guns, as do airline crew members for commercial flights.
State Laws
It is illegal to own a stun gun in New York.
While stun guns are legal in some states, other states ban them. For example, stun guns are illegal to own, sell or use in Hawaii, Massachusetts and New York. Police can confiscate and dispose of any illegally possessed stun gun. It is also illegal to ship stun guns to states that do not allow them.You cannot legally buy a stun gun online if you live in a state where they are banned.
Restrictions
You can own and carry a stun gun in Connecticut with a proper permit.
Some states allow legal sale of stun guns to citizens, however restrictions apply. For example, it is legal to own a stun gun in Connecticut if it is kept within your home or business. You may carry a stun gun in Connecticut only if you have a permit to do so. Illinois also allows citizens with a permit to purchase stun guns, but they must agree to a background check and wait 24 hours before obtaining the gun.
Penalties
Illegally owning a stun gun could land you in jail.
If you are caught with a stun gun in a city or state that has banned them, penalties range. For example, anyone caught with a stun gun in New Jersey is guilty of a fourth-degree crime, subject to imprisonment of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $7,500. In Rhode Island, violators face a maximum one year in jail and $500 fine. In Philadelphia, the maximum fine is $300 and imprisonment of up to 90 days.
Police
Police have the right to use stun guns.
Some states and counties allow police to carry and use stun guns as a nonlethal option when dealing with criminals. California and New York, among other places, allow cops to carry and use stun guns. Stun guns may be used on suspects who pose a threat to police officials, evade arrest or create a situation in which it is necessary. Police who use stun guns in circumstances that don't warrant them may face charges.
Airplanes
It is illegal to take a stun gun onto a commercial flight.
While some states allow you to own stun guns, it is illegal to carry a stun gun onto an airplane. However, according to the Transportation Security Administration, it is legal to check a stun gun before boarding, as long as you're not flying to a destination where stun guns are illegal. In 2003, President George W. Bush made it legal for crew members on commercial flights to carry and use stun guns in case of emergency.
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