We commonly hear different news stories about murder, rape, homicide, burglary, and kidnapping in the news. In fact, it is alarming to go outside alone at night. However, it is sometimes true that there are times that there is a need to. There is a large number of bad guys out there who can do you harm.
It would be clever if you know how to defend yourself against aggressors. One way of defending yourself is bringing a self-defense weapon, however, are you bringing a legal one? Let me provide you some important information regarding what legal self-defense weapon you can own and bring in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Castle Doctrine
Only the castle doctrine is specifically codified in the Wisconsin statutes. The castle doctrine statute provides two specific instances where individuals can protect themselves and others by using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
- The person against whom the force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcibly entering the individual’s dwelling, vehicle, or place of business; the individual was present in the location; and the individual knew or reasonably believed that the person unlawfully and forcibly entered the location.
- The person against whom the force was used was already in the individual’s dwelling, vehicle, or place of business after unlawfully and forcibly it; the individual was present in the location; and the individual knew or reasonably believed that the person unlawfully and forcibly entered the location.
Is it legal to own and carry a Stun gun or Taser in Wisconsin?
Individuals 18 years old and above do not need a permit to have a stun gun or Taser in their own home. However, if you step outside you need to have a concealed carry license in Wisconsin. The law categorizes stun gun and Taser as an electric weapon and is defined as “any device which is designed, redesigned, used or intended to be used, offensively or defensively, to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of electric current” (941.295). You’ll be dealt with a Class H Felony if you sell, transport, manufacture, possesses or goes armed without any license. However, these rules don’t apply to the following:
- Any peace officer
- Any armed forces or national guard personnel while on official duty
- Any corrections personnel in a county or in the department of corrections while on official duty
- Any common carrier transporting electric weapons.
Are there any exceptions for minors?
Minors are not allowed to have a stun gun or Taser unless they are being guided by an adult during target practice or an instructional class. Any individual who sells or gives a stun gun or Taser to a minor will be charged with a felony. (Wis. Stat. § 948.60)
Is pepper spray legal in Wisconsin?
The legal age for carrying concealed pepper spray is 18 years old. However, there are some restrictions that you need to consider and these include the below:
- Canisters must be less than two ounces
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) concentration should be 10% or less
- Cannot be disguised as a common item or can’t be camouflaged
Note that Ultraviolet or combination sprays are not permissible. A device or container that contains a combination of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients is permissible.
Knife Laws in Wisconsin
Even for a rightful authority skilled in understanding weapon legislation, Wisconsin knife laws are often hard to interpret. The main reason for the uncertainty roots from the unclear wording of statutes that lead to drawn out legal battles inside civil and criminal courts. In Wisconsin, knives are not part of dangerous weapons so they do not fall under the legislation pertaining to dangerous weapons. It is unlawful in Wisconsin to carry a concealed a knife by anyone who is banned from owning a firearm. In addition, it is illegal to carry any knife to school or public building owned by state. If not, the restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon are pretty general.
What is a concealed weapon?
- the weapon must be completely hidden
- the defendant in a criminal case must be aware of the presence of the hidden weapon
- he weapon is within the defendant’s reach, attached to a part of the body, or stored in a clothing pocket
Is it legal to carry a concealed weapons inside a car?
You will be found guilty if the following criteria are met:
- the weapon was located inside a car and within the defendant’s reach
- the weapon was concealed, or hidden from ordinary view
- defendant was aware of the presence of the weapon
Knives that are legal to own in Wisconsin:
- Dirk
- Bowie
- Ballistic
- Dagger
- Disguised
- Switchblade
Definition of a dangerous weapon
939-22(10) “Dangerous weapon” means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any ligature or other instrumentality used on the throat, neck, nose, or mouth of another person to impede, partially or completely, breathing or circulation of blood; any electric weapon, as defined in s. 941.295 (1c) (a); or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
Tactical Pen is legal in Wisconsin
A tactical pen is a lethal survival weapon in the correct set of hands. In the wrong set of hands, it is a harmless writing material. The non-writing end of the tactical pen integrates a hardened tip. This tip is the main weapon of the tactical pen. It is designed to stab and hurt. It is made to rupture and incapacitate.
Wisconsin: Firearm Legislation
The people have the right to keep and carry firearms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.
Who Can Legally Own a Gun in Wisconsin?
Anyone over the age of 21 can own a handgun, but they can lose the right to own a gun under federal and state law. Under the Lautenberg Amendment, convicted felons cannot carry or own firearms and those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are also restrcited from owning it. 947.01
Under that law, someone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge cannot own a firearm. Misdemeanor is defined as “violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance” Wis. Stat. section 947.01.
What is a handgun?
“The bill defines “handgun” as any weapon designed or redesigned, or made or remade, and intended to be fired while held in one hand and to use the energy of an explosive to expel a projectile through a smooth or rifled bore. This term does not include certain prohibited types of firearms such as a machine gun, a short-barreled rifle, or a short-barreled shotgun.”
Open vs. Concealed Carry
The bill defines “handgun” as any weapon designed or redesigned, or made or remade, and intended to be fired while held in one hand and to use the energy of an explosive to expel a projectile through a smooth or rifled bore. This term does not include certain prohibited types of firearms such as a machine gun, a short-barreled rifle, or a short-barreled shotgun. 947.01