Illegal Kitty Keychain

[WildBill]

I ran across this story about several types of keychains that are considered to be brass knuckles and therefore illegal.
I don't know what anyone else thinks about this, but I think it's ridiculous to have this law on the books still.
To me, it's along the same lines as the laws prohibiting the Bowie knife.

A keychain is stirring up controversy after many are finding out it's illegal in Texas.

The Travis County Sheriff's Office said brass knuckles are growing in popularity amongst women.
But many don't even know they own one and it can lead to a hefty fine or even land them in jail.

It's cute but don't be fooled it can be dangerous.

At first glance, it looks like a harmless cat or dog keychain.
But as it turns out, it can be used as a deadly self-defense weapon.

http://www.fox26houston.com/news/local- ... n-cost-you

[Grundy1133]

At first glance, it looks like a harmless cat or dog keychain.
But as it turns out, it can be used as a deadly self-defense weapon.

and that's what makes it illegal...? SMH I guess you can't fix stupid.

[srothstein]

I hate when the news incorrectly cites the law. The keychain is not illegal. Using it as brass knuckles is illegal. The definition of brass knuckles is anything with fingerholes and a guard, made of a hard substance, that is designed, made, or adapted for causing serious bodily injury or death.

You can be convicted of having brass knuckles if you are wearing rings made of steel and hit someone with them but no one would claim the ring itself was illegal. The same is true of the keychain.

[Abraham]

One of the tactical tricks I've read about is women should carry their keys in hand to smash into an attacker's face, thus protecting her.

So, given the above, she'd be in trouble if she defended herself in this manner?

[ScottDLS]

One of the tactical tricks I've read about is women should carry their keys in hand to smash into an attacker's face, thus protecting her.

So, given the above, she'd be in trouble if she defended herself in this manner?

More likely a pile on charge if the defense wasn't justified. Kind of like a screwdriver can be burglary tool, or a pipe can be drug paraphernalia id there's dope in it, or a baseball bat can be an illegal club.... Three felonies a day.

[rotor]

If you Google them they are sold everywhere as personal defense keychains and in my opinion, for what it's worth, they are an illegal (brass knuckles) weapon in Texas. I would not want to try to sway a jury that they were not a weapon after a Google search.

[OlBill]

That law needs to be changed.

[bblhd672]

Three felonies a day.

Make enough laws and everyone is a criminal

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.”
― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

[flechero]

brass knuckles- illegal.

pepper spray- good to go
knife- fine
gun- A OK

Maybe the rub is that they just prefer better weapons?



And if nothing else, the LTC should cover any weapon, not just a handgun. I was taught as a teen to hold keys between the fingers and to clench a fist around the ring... not quite the same impact but does make several holes that could deter someone in short order if needed. So many improvised weapons available... makes it silly to outlaw brass knuckles.

[Deltaboy]

They are used to crush the windpipe , Throat punch and Twist! They used to be made of aluminum or brass, now they are plastic. My Great aunt carried one back in the 1970's and she a Nurse.

[howdy]

I remember bayonet training....jab. twist, pull up....

[spectre]

It's just a key chain.

And this is just a patriotic paper weight.

[remington79]

Three felonies a day.

Make enough laws and everyone is a criminal

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.”
― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

That's where Jury Nullification comes into play. There has even been a book written about the 3 felonies a day. https://www.google.com/search?client=op ... 8&oe=UTF-8

[OlBill]

That keychain was made specifically as a weapon, like brass knuckles or dagger, not a keychain that "could" be used as one. While a dagger is legal, the resemblance of brass knuckles is not. If someone wants wants a similar item, just get a mini dagger and attach to keychain, purse or even carried in pocket.

https://www.dhgate.com/store/product/ne ... 49157.html

Or we could change the law.

[Jusme]

That keychain was made specifically as a weapon, like brass knuckles or dagger, not a keychain that "could" be used as one. While a dagger is legal, the resemblance of brass knuckles is not. If someone wants wants a similar item, just get a mini dagger and attach to keychain, purse or even carried in pocket.

https://www.dhgate.com/store/product/ne ... 49157.html

Or we could change the law.

All of these, and similar laws, do absolutely nothing to deter/prevent crime. All they are used for is an enhancement to another charge. All prohibitions, against inanament objects such as these, should be removed, just as the prohibitions, against certain types of knives, have been.
I have no use for brass knuckles, and probably would not carry, a kitty keychain, but I can see their use,as defensive tools, for those who, cannot carry guns, where they work.
These laws, for the most part were in response to the misuse, by a very small number of people, usually gang members, and were intended to provide prosecutors, a charge, to apply, when no actual crime, had been committed.