I this present day and age, some states within the US are still certain to stay in tyrannical control of residents’ lives right to the bitter end. Massachusetts is one such state, which never found a restrictive law or piece of laws that it didn’t like. Long an infamous place in terms of the civilian possession of varied weapons, is it possible which you could have a taser in Massachusetts? Are tasers even legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, tasers are legal in Massachusetts but they’re heavily restricted in the identical way that firearms are. Tasers have their very own definition within the state but they’re also classified as firearms and also you’ll need a permit to even possess one.
I suppose that’s excellent news for people who find themselves determined to get a taser in Massachusetts, but you’re still going to must slog through odious regulations and red tape at every turn to get one, much less carry it. It isn’t excellent news, but not less than it is feasible. Keep reading and I’ll inform you what you might want to know…
How are Tasers Classified in Massachusetts?
Under Massachusetts law, tasers are specifically categorized as “stun guns,” defined as any portable device or weapon that passes on electrical shock able to incapacitating, injuring or killing via projectile, or direct contact.
But, if we glance elsewhere in 140 Section 121 we discover that stun guns themselves are under the definition of “firearm,” meaning any weapon of any type from which a shot or bullet will be discharged. Accordingly, stun guns are treated and categorized broadly in Massachusetts as firearms.
Read the precise text of the relevant definitions yourself below.
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“Firearm”, a stun gun or a pistol, revolver or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which a shot or bullet will be discharged and of which the length of the barrel or barrels is lower than 16 inches or 18 inches within the case of a shotgun as originally manufactured; provided, nevertheless, that the term firearm shall not include any weapon that’s: (i) constructed in a shape that doesn’t resemble a handgun, short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun including, but not limited to, covert weapons that resemble key-chains, pens, cigarette-lighters or cigarette-packages; or (ii) not detectable as a weapon or potential weapon by x-ray machines commonly used at airports or walk- through metal detectors.
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“Stun gun”, a conveyable device or weapon, no matter whether it passes an electrical shock via a dart or projectile via a wire lead, from which an electrical current, impulse, wave or beam that’s designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill could also be directed.
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Are Stun Guns Legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, true stun guns, together with tasers, are legal in Massachusetts although the legal definition of those devices is interchangeable. That means even in the event you only desire a stun gun you’ll must undergo all the identical hoops that you simply would with a view to obtain a real taser.
Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Massachusetts?
Yes, but provided that you have got the suitable carry license for the taser or stun gun. You cannot openly carry a taser or stun gun without it.
Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Massachusetts?
Yes, but once more you’ll must have the suitable firearms license to open carry a taser or stun gun in Massachusetts.
Now I even have to indicate that violating the weapon statutes, even with a taser or stun gun, is a considerable crime in Massachusetts, one that may see you charged with a serious felony and sent to prison for years. Read for yourself and 269 section 10 below, and note that there’s a whole lot more in that statute you’ll must read for yourself. I abbreviated it here.
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Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in Massachusetts?
Yes. You must be 21 years old to buy, possess or carry a taser or stun gun in Massachusetts. No exceptions.
What Do You Need to Do to Purchase a Taser in Massachusetts?
If you desire to even purchase a taser or stun gun in Massachusetts you’ll must comply with all of the standard laws and regulations concerning firearms.
Find a neighborhood taser retailer in your area and seek the advice of with them for more information regarding the obligatory permits and processes. Also, note that, in Massachusetts, you might want to securely store a taser in the identical way as a firearm, meaning it have to be in a locked container in any respect times if it will not be under the direct possession of the permit holder. And the permit holder is the one individual that can have access to the container.
Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership?
Not necessarily, nevertheless it is perhaps required for certain categories of firearms permit. 140 Section 131J notes that 140 sections 131K and 131P shall not apply to stun guns, although the Secretary of Public Safety and Security can and shall promulgate regulations restricting access or the usage of stun guns.
Where Can You Carry a Taser in Massachusetts?
There are many restrictions on where you’ll be able to carry a taser in Massachusetts assuming you’ll be able to carry it legally. Quarters, you can not carry it anywhere in public without the suitable permit, and even you then can’t carry it anywhere that has signage up barring weapons or firearms. Remember that tasers are considered firearms under Massachusetts law.
Accordingly, which means you’ll be able to never carry your taser inside any kind of secured area or installation, into any government facility, office or property, onto the grounds of or into any school, and plenty of, many other places.
Consult with a knowledgeable attorney in your area, because these laws change frequently in Massachusetts and native municipalities, specifically Boston, have their very own laws and regs governing firearms and by extension tasers, in the event that they don’t have laws regarding tasers and stun guns specifically.
When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself in Massachusetts?
You should only ever use your taser or stun gun to guard yourself from a legitimate threat of death or great bodily injury. Misuse of a taser, in every other way and for every other purpose, is a severe crime in Massachusetts.
