No matter whether you’re sitting around at your residence or having a night out on the town, I know you want to feel safe and secure. For some individual, that may mean keeping their intelligence about them or perhaps adding a deadbolt to their house. Some inclined to go one step further, arming themselves with a weapon for self-defense.
Iowa Stand Your Ground Law
The stand your ground law falls under the self-defense law in Iowa that states a person has the right to use reasonable force in their own home to protect themselves or others from death or harm.
704.13 Immunity
“A person who is justified in using reasonable force against an aggressor in defense of oneself, another person, or property pursuant to section 704.4 is immune from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred by the aggressor pursuant to the application of reasonable force.”
Is stun gun or Taser legal in Iowa?
The possession and sale of stun gun and Taser devices are lawful in Iowa, except in Denison / Crawford County where they are illegal and are restricted. Most people may purchase, openly own, or use a stun gun for self-defense without having a permit. However it is unlawful to carry a concealed stun gun or Taser on your person without a concealed weapons license unless you are on your own residence. (Iowa Code § § 702.7, 724.4, 903.1)
Below are legal acts relating to stun gun:
- Individual who removes or attempts to remove a stun gun from a peace officer acting within the scope of his or her normal duty is guilty of disarming a peace officer.
- Individual who displays, without justification, a stun gun in a threatening manner toward another is guilty of assault.
- Individual who possesses a stun gun while committing a burglary on an occupied structure in which no one is present is guilty of second degree burglary.
Tactical Pen in Iowa
There is a whole norm around tactical pens. When used properly, they can be a great survival materiel, but in the wrong hands they’re just an ordinary writing materiel. As a multi-use material, tactical pens are great to have. From helping brave the elements to self-defense and more. A tactical pen is an excellent addition to any survival box or even just to possess around in your purse or pocket. To make it simple, tactical pen is a self-defense tool which is legal in Iowa.
Pepper Spray Legislation in Iowa
Iowa has no law that prohibits an individual from carrying or using pepper spray. It is lawful to purchase, carry, use, or ship to Iowa. Pepper spray is a great self-defense material when lethal weapon, is not in need, not allowed, or if you just do not like to use handgun.
Pepper spray is a non-lethal chemical compound that works by causing temporary blindness and is basically used in self-defense and for crowd control. Because of its hand carry size, pepper spray is easy to carry and it can effortlessly be disguised. Usual devices include hip holsters or key chains that give you the ability to way in and use pepper spray almost in an instant.
Iowa Knife Laws
Iowa ‘knife friendly’ state. Only ballistic knives are banned here otherwise all kinds of knives are legal to possess. But there are some restrictions while carrying knives concealed. Although, you can carry openly any knives you want. 724.1 Offensive weapons “A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade which is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, elastic material, or compressed gas.”
So, owning and carrying open or concealed a spring-operated, elastic material, or compressed gas-based ballistic knife is banned in Iowa. There are no restrictions for open carry any knives that are legal. But there are laws for concealed carry knives.
It is illegal to conceal carry any dangerous weapons such as knives in Iowa. Dangerous weapon means when an instrument is designed to harm anybody or even for use in inflicting death. If any instrument is designed that somebody is intended to harm or kill other people, those are also considered as dangerous weapons.
“A “dangerous weapon” is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed, except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or any other lawful purpose.
Dangerous weapons include:
- Daggers
- Razors
- Stiletto
- Switchblade knife
- Knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length
Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon.
Firearm Laws in Iowa
Iowa law restricts any person from selling or moving a long gun or ammunition for a long gun to a person who is under 18 years old. Iowa also restricts any person from selling or moving a handgun or handgun ammunition to a person under age 21. These restrictions are subject to some exceptions indicated below:
- A parent, guardian, spouse age 18 or older, or another with the express consent of the minor’s parent or guardian or spouse who is at least age 18 may allow a minor of any age to possess a rifle or shotgun and ammunition for lawful use
- A parent or guardian or spouse who is age 21 or older may allow a minor of any age to possess a handgun or handgun ammunition for any lawful purpose while under the “direct supervision” of the parent, guardian or spouse
- The person receives instruction in the proper use of a handgun from an instructor age 21 or older, with the consent of the parent, guardian or spouse
Carrying Weapons (724.4)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle with a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
There are some situations when some individuals can carry concealed weapons in particular places and for this, they won’t be charged. Such as,
- A correctional officer on his duties.
- In lawful hunting.
- In lawful fishing.
- A law enforcement officer while carrying dangerous weapons from one place to another on behalf of their duties.
- If anyone is in the business of transporting prisoners from one state to another and for this, he is contracted with the Iowa Department of Corrections or similar authority.
- When an armed person carries a dangerous weapon in his own place or business place.
- A peace officer on his/her duties.
- A member of the armed forces on his/her duties in particular places and other particular places.