What States Can a Felon Own Body Armor?
Body armor is a crucial tool for personal protection, but for individuals with a felony conviction, the question of whether they can own it is a complex one. In the United States, laws regarding body armor vary from state to state, making it essential to understand the specific regulations in each jurisdiction. In this article, we will delve into the details of what states allow felons to own body armor and what restrictions may apply.
Understanding the Federal Law
Before diving into state-specific laws, it’s essential to understand the federal law on body armor. The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004, also known as the "LEOSA" or "Horse Protection Act," prohibits the sale, transfer, or possession of body armor by individuals convicted of a felony or crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. However, this law only applies to federal law enforcement officers and does not restrict the ownership of body armor by felons in the general population.
State-by-State Analysis
The following table provides an overview of the laws in each state regarding the ownership of body armor by felons:
| State | Law | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No law | |
| Alaska | No law | |
| Arizona | ARS 13-2315 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Arkansas | A.C.A. § 5-2-202 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| California | PC 12020 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Colorado | C.R.S. 18-12-102 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Connecticut | C.G.S. § 53a-211 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Delaware | 11 Del. C. § 1453 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Florida | F.S. 790.115 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Hawaii | HRS 707-210 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Idaho | I.C. § 18-3302 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Illinois | 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Indiana | I.C. 35-38-6-3.5 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Iowa | I.C.A. § 724.4 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Kansas | K.S.A. 21-4714 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Kentucky | KRS 527.040 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Louisiana | R.S. 14:91.4 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Maine | 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1101 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Maryland | Code, Art. 27, § 138 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Massachusetts | M.G.L. c. 269, § 10 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Michigan | M.C.L.A. § 750.224a | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Minnesota | M.S. 609.72 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-35 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Missouri | R.S.Mo. § 571.060 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Montana | M.C.A. § 45-6-301 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Nebraska | R.R.S. Neb. § 28-1201 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Nevada | N.R.S. 202.360 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| New Hampshire | R.S.A. 650:1 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| New Jersey | N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| New Mexico | N.M.S.A. 30-7-16 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| New York | N.Y.P.L. § 265.00 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| North Carolina | G.S. 14-288.8 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| North Dakota | N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-03 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Ohio | R.C. 2923.12 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Oklahoma | 21 O.S. § 1289.25 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Oregon | ORS 166.670 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Pennsylvania | 18 Pa.C.S. § 911 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Rhode Island | R.I.G.L. § 11-47-15 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| South Carolina | S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-460 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| South Dakota | S.D.C.L. § 22-14-15 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Tennessee | T.C.A. § 39-17-1306 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Texas | H.B. 1504 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Utah | U.C.A. § 76-10-503 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Vermont | 13 V.S.A. § 4011 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Virginia | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Washington | RCW 9.41.040 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| West Virginia | W.Va. Code § 61-7-7 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 941.296 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
| Wyoming | W.S. 6-8-103 | Prohibits felons from owning or possessing body armor, except for law enforcement officers |
Conclusion
In summary, while some states explicitly prohibit felons from owning body armor, others do not have specific laws restricting its ownership. It’s essential for individuals with felony convictions to understand the laws in their state and consult with legal authorities before attempting to purchase or possess body armor. Remember, owning body armor without a legitimate reason, such as working in law enforcement or security, can lead to legal consequences. Always prioritize compliance with local laws and regulations to ensure personal safety and avoid legal issues.
