Many people wonder, "are stun guns and Taser devices legal in all 50 states?" There are a small number of states that ban the ownership or use of them.
These states are: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Illinois, and the District of Columbia.
Cities or counties that currently ban the use of stun devices are: Chicago, (Illinois), Annapolis (Maryland), Baltimore city and county (Maryland), Dension/Crawford County (Iowa) - - (*According to Sheriff Tom Hogan*), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).
Therefore, the question of; "are stun guns legal in all states" is not a complete question.
Rather one should ask; "are they legal in all cities or counties?" There may be other jurisdictions that ban stun gun ownership and use, or place strict requirements on them, such as attending mandatory weapons training or perhaps completing a background check.
If you are interested in purchasing one, check the laws of your individual state and county to ensure you are in compliance with those laws.
Ask the question; "are stun devices legal" in your local jurisdiction.
I recommend you do your own legal definitions search online for your city rather than rely solely on police to answer that question for you.
Police officers chase bad guys, they are not lawyers and do not always have a complete knowledge of the laws they enforce.
Police officers have been known to give out incorrect information concerning local laws.
For instance a police officer in Pittsburgh PA, when asked on the subject of stun guns, informed a woman that it was illegal to own a stun gun in that city, when in fact that is not the case.
It is currently legal to possess a stun gun in Pittsburgh, PA.
Certain individuals are prohibited from owning a Taser or stun device.
Anyone under the age of 18 may not purchase, own or carry a stun device.
In addition, the following individuals are prohibited from stun gun ownership: anyone who has been convicted of a crime and has been imprisoned for such, any fugitive from justice, drug addicts or users, mentally ill persons, illegal immigrants, those arrested for domestic disputes or under TRO due to a domestic dispute, or anyone dishonorably discharged from any branch of the military.
Other Regulations: There are various laws that govern the use of stun devices, although each jurisdiction presides over its'own local regulations.
Though laws regarding the ownership and use of these self defense weapons very in different jurisdictions, the following rules appear frequently across many areas: Stun Guns: - may not be carried into public buildings - are never permitted past the security check points of an airport - may not be used in the commission of a crime - cannot be carried on school grounds, though some states allow with a permit - may not be concealed in a vehicle In some areas of the country A small number of states prohibit stun devices from being concealed while being carried, and some states only allow a stun gun to be concealed inside the home or inside of a business.
A stun device cannot be used against any law enforcement person without incurring serious penalties, and a few states require a firearms permit in order to possess a stun gun or a Taser.
Carrying a stun gun is an excellent way to provide protection for yourself and your family, but it also comes with a certain amount of responsibility.
Use it only in a manner consistent with the law, and take care to safeguard your stun gun so it does not become lost or stolen.
Many times, a stolen stun gun becomes a weapon used in the commission of other crimes such as muggings and robberies.
If you have a stun gun registered to you, take care to keep it out of the hands of criminals.
If it should get lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your local law enforcement authorities.