A taser, sometimes called a stun gun, is a weapon that uses electric shock to disrupt voluntary muscle movement. Laws concerning who can own, carry or use a taser vary by state and sometimes even by city, so it is important to check your local laws.
In Tennessee, if you are going to work as a security guard and will need to carry a taser as part of your job, you have to pass a certification course first.
In Oregon, where it is legal for adults to own a stun gun, it is a misdemeanor to "recklessly" discharge the weapon, but it is Class C Felony if you "knowingly" discharge the weapon against a law enforcement officer or EMT.
Minors
In most states, it is illegal for anyone age 18 or younger to buy or own a stun gun. It is also illegal for an adult to sell, barter, trade, give, rent, or lend a taser stun gun to anyone 18 or under. There are often different penalties associated with illegal stun gun use, depending if you are the minor in possession or the adult who gave or sold it to the minor.
For minors who live in Arkansas, the penalty for violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 to $1,000 fine but if you are an adult who has sold or otherwise given a minor a stun gun you can be charged with a Class B Felony.
In North Carolina, it is a misdemeanor for anyone (adult or minor)to carry or conceal a stun gun on school property. It is also a misdemeanor for an adult to provide a stun gun to a minor who then takes it to school property.
Waiting Period
Illinois is the only state that has a mandatory 24 hour waiting period before you can purchase a stun gun. Illinois uses a system called Firearm Owner's Identification Cards to make sure people who are barred by law from owning a stun gun are unable to purchase them.This list includes:
- Anyone 18 years of age or younger
- Anyone 21 years of age or younger who has been convicted of a misdemeanor (not a traffic incident)
- A narcotic addict
- A person who has been a patient in a mental hospital within the last 5 years
- A person who is mentally retarded
Illegal possession of a stun gun in Illinois is a misdemeanor.
Tasers Prohibited
It is illegal for a citizen to possess a stun gun in New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.
Get Legal Help
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony because of a stun gun or taser, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They can examine the facts of your case, and help you prepare a defense. Remember, laws can even vary by city so be sure to select an attorney who is familiar with local laws.
