Federal Law & Self-Defense Equipment

According to this article by Eisner Gorin LLP, “Title 18 of the United States Code governs the classification of federal felonies. These classifications help categorize offenses based on their severity and corresponding penalties.

Each class encompasses a range of crimes, with Class A representing the most severe offenses and Class E the least severe among felonies.”

Federal Felonies:

  • Class A: Maximum penalty is life imprisonment or death.

  • Class B: Maximum penalty is 25 years or more.

  • Class C: Maximum penalty is 10-25 years.

  • Class D: Maximum penalty is 5-10 years.

  • Class E: Maximum penalty is 1-5 years. 

“In states that divide felonies into classes or levels, each subcategory will have its own sentence or sentence range based on the seriousness of the crime.

States might use letter subcategories (A, B, C) or numbers (1, 2, and so on). Others avoid the terms "class" and "level," and instead use descriptive phrases.

Whatever type of classification system the state uses, the lower the number or letter is, the higher the offense severity is. For instance, Class A or 1 is typically the most serious felony level, Class B or 2 is the next serious and so on.”

Demystifying “Citizen’s Arrest”

The arrest of a person may be lawfully made also by any peace officer or private person without a warrant upon reasonable information that the accused stands charged in the courts of a state with a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. But when so arrested the accused shall be taken before a judge, magistrate or other officer authorized to issue criminal warrants in the Commonwealth with all practicable speed and complaint made against him under oath setting forth the ground for the arrest as in § 19.2-99, and thereafter his answer shall be heard as if he had been arrested on a warrant.

It is important to note that "Citizen's Arrest" can only be implemented when a felony crime has been committed against the person applying Citizen's Arrest, or in your direct observation.

**While not illegal, we here at Safe Worthy, LLC, do not advocate executing Citizen's Arrest unless under extreme circumstances. If not executed properly, there can be dire consequences.

Below, you can review laws in your state regarding the self-defense items available for purchase at Safe Worthy, LLC.

Alabama Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Alaska Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Arizona Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Arkansas Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

California Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Colorado Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Connecticut Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Delaware Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Florida Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Georgia Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Hawaii Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Idaho Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Illinois Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Indiana Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Iowa Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Kansas Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Kentucky Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Louisiana Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Maine Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Maryland Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • Title 4, Subsection 1, Code 4-101 of Maryland Law says:

    (3) (i) "Pepper mace" means an aerosol propelled combination of highly disabling irritant pepper-based products.  (ii) "Pepper mace" is also known as oleoresin capsicum (o.c.) spray… 

    (5) (i) "Weapon" includes a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.  (ii) "Weapon" does not include: 1. a handgun; or 2. a penknife without a switchblade.  

    (B)  Exceptions for certain individuals… (4) an individual who carries the weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger...  

    (c)  Prohibited…(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner. 

  • In Maryland, Code 4-101 says, (5) (i) "Weapon" includes a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, [spring-loaded knife,] star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.  (ii) "Weapon" does not include: 1. a handgun; or 2. a penknife without a switchblade.  

    (B)  Exceptions for certain individuals… (4) an individual who carries the weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger...  

    (c)  Prohibited…(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner. 

    Also, according to the American Knives and Tools Institute in this article:

    Concealed Carry…is permitted for folding knives [aka Pen knives] that are not switchblades or spring-activated.

    Restrictions on Sale or Transfer: Neither automatic knives nor ballistic knives may be sold or bartered. It is also unlawful to possess any weapon, including knives, on school property. This restriction does not apply to “butter” knives or “knife-shaped” objects but does apply to folding knives.

  • In Maryland, stun guns are generally legal for self-defense, as according to Code 4-109:

    (2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner. 

  • Maryland does not list batons as dangerous weapons that you cannot wear or carry… According to Maryland Code 4-101, [y]ou cannot wear or carry the following dangerous weapons concealed on or about your person “with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.”

    • Dirk knives

    • Bowie knives

    • Switchblade knives

    • Star knives

    • Sandclubs

    • Razors

    • Metal knuckles

    • Nunchaku

    • Throwing stars

    …The legality… [entirely] depends on how it was used.

  • According to Friz Woods, a criminal defense lawyer in Maryland, Maryland code INT/INJURE CR 4 101 ((c)(2)) states that:

    Q: What weapons are illegal to conceal in MD?
    Concealing weapons in Maryland like nunchaku, pepper mace, star knives, switchblade knives, dirk knives, sandclubs, metal knuckles, and razors, could result in criminal charges. Possessing these items openly with the intent to injure another person may also result in charges… A violation of this law is a misdemeanor and imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Massachusetts Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Michigan Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Minnesota Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Mississippi Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Missouri Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Montana Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Nebraska Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Nevada Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

New Hampshire Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

New Jersey Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

New Mexico Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

Pennsylvania Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • According to the Warren County, PA government webpage:
    “Pepper spray is indeed legal in [Pennsylvania state], constituting a crucial self-defense tool for individuals… it is reinforced that the use of pepper spray should be used responsibly and strictly under the law so as not to misuse and cause harm to others.”

    Furthermore, “using pepper spray or mace to cause harm to someone else could lead to charges for assault. According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701, simple assault may be charged for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing or attempting to cause someone bodily harm.”

  • This article by the American Knives and Tools Institute states that:

    Restricted Knives: None.

    Concealed Carry: Pennsylvania law does not distinguish between open or concealed carry of a weapon, except where there is intent to “employ it criminally.” (See § 907)

    Restrictions on Sale or Transfer: It is unlawful to sell or transfer any “deadly weapon” to a person under the age of 18.  

  • According to this article by E.A. Gjelten, Most Pennsylvanians may legally possess a stun gun or Taser without a permit… It's a misdemeanor to use a stun gun or Taser for any other reason, but it becomes a felony if you use it with the intent to commit another felony.

    (18 Pa. Con. Stat. § 908.1 (2024).)

  • In this article by Ryan Cocran on Self-Defense Laws in Philadelphia,

    • OC spray, pepper spray, mace are all legal and allowed to be carried without license for concealment 

    • Stun gun (must be 18 to own, and cannot be used for “offensive purposes”)...

    • Kubotan

    • Gun (must have a license to carry) 

    He also defines what is illegal to carry in the same article. See the next drop down for more information.

  • According to Pennsylvania Code in Title 18 Chapter 9 Section 8, there are several weapons that are illegal to carry in the state, should they be carried with the intention of causing or attempting to cause harm.

Virginia Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • In Virginia, pepper spray is legal for purchase by individuals 18 years or older. It must be used for self-defense purposes, as the misuse of pepper spray can lead to criminal charges such as assault. 

    Additionally, there are restrictions on where pepper spray can be carried: They cannot be carried in K-12 schools, government buildings, airports, etc. 

    Check out this link for more information on Virginia’s laws on Pepper Spray.

  • While it is legal under Virginia law to own most knife types, the blade must be three inches or less in length.

    It is unlawful per 18.2-311 to sell, barter, give, or furnish a “ballistic knife.”

    In Virginia, knives with blades under 3 inches in length are legal for purchase by individuals 18 years or older. They must be used for self-defense purposes, as their misuse can lead to criminal charges such as assault. 

    Additionally, there are restrictions on where pepper spray can be carried: They cannot be carried in K-12 schools, government buildings, airports, etc.

    Check out this article by the American Knives and Tools Institute for more info.

  • Virginians can carry stun guns and Tasers without a permit, unless they've been convicted of certain crimes. However, there are a few places where stun guns aren't allowed. And you can be charged with a crime for using a stun gun as an OFFENSIVE weapon.

    Check out this article titled “Stun Gun Laws in Virginia,” where author E.A. Gjelten directly cites Virginia Code of Law.

  • In Virginia, a "Kubaton" (also known as a "baton") is generally legal to own and carry. However, it must be in accordance with Virginia's self-defense laws and should not involve excessive force; there should be a reasonable belief of imminent danger.

    ""Intermediate weapon" means a tool not fundamentally designed to cause deadly force with conventional use...These weapons include but are not limited to baton/collapsible baton, chemical irritants, electronic restraining devices...and other less lethal weapons."

    Click Here to review Virginia’s Code of Law about Intermediate Weapons.

  • According to Virginia Code regarding Intermediate Weapons, one can infer that illegal weapons are weapons that are fundamentally designed to cause deadly force with conventional use, unlike Intermediate Weapons.

    “If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, sling bow, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor... For the purpose of this section, [the above weapons] shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature."

    Virginia’s Penalties on carrying illegal weapons.

West Virginia Law & Self-Defense Equipment

  • According to Bill 338, [which] amend[s] and reenact[s] §61-7-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to dangerous weapons; defining “pepper spray”; exempting pepper spray from definition of “deadly weapons”; and providing that persons over 16 years of age may carry pepper spray for the purpose of self-defense.

  • According to the American Knife and Tool Institute, [i]ndividuals 21 and older face no limitation with the exception of typical location-based restrictions. Individuals between 18 and 21 who limit themselves to manual folding knives and fixed blade knives not more than three and one-half inches blade length are objectively compliant even if carrying concealed. Such knives with blades longer than three and one-half inches may be carried openly and possibly concealed if the hunting, fishing, or designed as a tool provisions as discussed above, and pertaining to the definition of “Knife,” apply.

  • As seen in this article by the US Concealed Carry Association, STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase without a license.

  • As seen in this article by the US Concealed Carry Association, batons are legal to own and carry in West Virginia. Batons are not classified as "deadly weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.

    Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.

  • This article in the West Virginia Code gives links to sites regarding crimes for dangerous and/or illegal weaponry and their punishments in the state of West Virginia.