No, brass knuckles are classified as prohibited weapons under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:95. Brass knuckles are explicitly banned for possession, manufacture, or sale statewide, with no exceptions for antique or ornamental use. Violations may result in felony charges, fines up to $2,000, and imprisonment for up to two years. Local law enforcement agencies, including the New Orleans Police Department and Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, actively enforce these restrictions, particularly in high-density urban areas.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Louisiana
- Prohibited Possession: Louisiana law criminalizes the mere possession of brass knuckles, regardless of intent or use. Statutory language under § 14:95.8 leaves no room for legal ownership.
- Enhanced Penalties for Felony Offenses: If brass knuckles are used in the commission of another crime, penalties escalate to mandatory minimum sentences under Louisiana’s habitual offender laws.
- Local Enforcement Priorities: Municipalities like Shreveport and Lafayette have adopted zero-tolerance policies, collaborating with state agencies to conduct periodic compliance checks in licensed firearm retailers and pawn shops.
Recent legislative scrutiny in 2026 has further tightened enforcement, with the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General issuing advisories to clarify that even decorative replicas fall under the ban. Courts have consistently upheld convictions under these statutes, reinforcing the state’s strict interpretation of prohibited weapons.