What Self-defense Weapons Are Legal In Washington State

In Washington State, the crime rate collectively increased by 15.3% between 2019 and 2022, although it has since then, had (thankfully) seen a decline. Still, understanding the legality of self-defense weapons in Washington State helps to ensure your safety and still maintain compliance with the law.

In Washington State, the self-defense law permits individuals to carry specific weapons for their protection. This article will examine the self-defense weapons that are legally allowed, ranging from pepper spray   to firearms.

Key Takeaways

• In Washington State, it is permissible to possess pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms for self-defense purposes.

• Knives with blades shorter than 3.5 inches are permitted, while brass knuckles and batons are prohibited.

• A permit is required to carry concealed firearms, and there are regulations regarding where they can be carried.

• Firearms are not allowed on college campuses or at events hosted by colleges.

• Always verify the legality of your chosen self-defense weapon in your local area before making a decision.

Overview of Self-defense Laws in Washington State

Now, let's delve into the self-defense laws in Washington State.

The state takes these rules seriously to ensure everyone's safety. You cannot have guns, explosives, or harmful chemicals on college campuses or at events sponsored by colleges. 

This rule holds true even if you possess a permit for carrying a concealed gun. 

The law is straightforward—there are no exceptions for those with a concealed pistol license .. If someone violates this rule, they could face serious consequences, such as being banned from campus or expelled from school. 

These regulations took effect on October 15, 2018, and are part of RCW 28B.40.120, reflecting Washington's strong position on where and how individuals can defend themselves with weapons. 

Self-Defense Weapons and Washington State Home Defense Laws

In Washington State, understanding home defense laws is key for safety. The rules focus on when and how you can protect your home from intruders.

Understanding the Castle Doctrine

The Castle Doctrine lets people use force in their homes. If someone breaks into your house, you can defend yourself. This law thinks you have a good reason to be scared if this happens.

You don't need to run away first before protecting your home or family.

This rule is part of Washington State's stand-your-ground laws . These laws say you do not have to leave to stay safe if attacked. People can fight back without getting into trouble if they really had to.

Next, let's compare the duty to retreat and stand your ground laws for a clearer picture.

Comparing Duty to Retreat and Stand Your Ground

Washington State's home defense laws have two major points to know. One is the "Stand Your Ground" law. The other is "Duty to Retreat". These may seem complicated, but they're really about when you can defend yourself at home.

RCW 9A.16.020 talks about when it's okay to use force. Knowing these laws helps you stay safe and out of trouble. Now, we'll discuss what you must meet for the law to consider your use of force as permissible.

Criteria for Justifiable Use of Deadly Force

Washington State allows people to defend themselves in their homes. Here are key points about using deadly force legally:

• You can use deadly force if you really believe you or your family are in danger of being hurt badly or killed.

• Defending against crimes like robbery, rape, and kidnapping inside your home is allowed.

• If someone breaks into your house, you can use force to stop them. This is part of the defense of habitation law.

• The law says you don’t have to run away before defending yourself in your home.

• Deadly force is okay if it stops a felony from happening inside your living space.

• Peace officers have rules too. They can use lethal force if they think someone has a weapon or did something very bad.

These guidelines help keep people safe while making sure actions are fair and necessary.

Defending Property and Self

People in Washington State possess the privilege to safeguard themselves, their families, and their belongings if confronted with a genuine risk of violence. The legislation permits the utilization of force to thwart crimes such as burglary or assault.

Yet, there's a stipulation: this force can't be used solely based on someone's gender, who they love, or their mode of self-expression. Inadvertently causing someone's demise while executing a legal activity is also not held against you.

One must use discretion before applying lethal force for self-defense or property protection. The situation must genuinely necessitate it. You are not allowed to pursue someone who is exiting your property or implement more force than required.

If someone intrudes your home and you fear for your safety, the law supports you in defending yourself but always bear in mind the guidelines about fairness and necessity.

Recognizing Exceptions and Limitations to Home Defense Laws

In Washington State, the law allows you to defend your home. Yet, there are limits. You can't just use deadly force any time you feel scared. The law says it must be reasonable. Think of someone coming into your home uninvited and posing a real danger.

Here, using force might be okay.

But let's say someone is on your property but not trying to get inside or hurt you. Using deadly force won't work in court. Judges look at many things in these cases. They ask if a normal person would have acted the same way under those circumstances.

Also, if you're involved in illegal activities or start the conflict, things change. The defense of duress shows this well—it applies when someone does something bad because they're threatened with harm and had no choice but to act that way.

Now that the Home Defense and Stand Your Ground laws are clear, let’s talk about self-defense weapons you can use.

Legal Non-lethal Self-defense Weapons in Washington State

In Washington State, you can have some weapons to protect yourself without causing permanent harm. These include pepper spray for deterring attacks, stun guns and TASERs for incapacitating threats, and personal alarms to either frighten off attackers or attract attention.  

Pepper Spray  

Pepper spray is a widely used option for self-defense in Washington state for individuals 18 years or older, or at least 14 years old with parental permission.

This means people can carry it without needing special papers. You're even allowed to have pepper spray on college grounds when at least 14 years old with parent permission, following RCW 9.91.160 , for self-defense.

This makes carrying pepper spray simple for everyone in Washington state. If you're walking home late or simply want to feel more secure, carrying pepper spray is both legal and recommended for self-defense.

Stun Guns and TASERs

Stunning devices such as stun guns and TASERs are legal to possess without a permit in Washington State to protect homes or businesses and against personal attacks. They are, however, not allowed on school grounds. 

You must use these electroshock devices only for self-defense, otherwise, it is considered a misdemeanor. 

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms are very helpful in keeping safe at any age, even minors. With a 125-decibel sound level, this is equivalent to the sound of a chainsaw.

Blingsting's Personal alarm

This sound can catch people's attention fast , helping you when you need it most and is audible at a distance of 60-80 yards or about 180 to 240 feet.

Moving from alarms, let's talk about knives and blades...

Legal Lethal Self-defense Weapons in Washington State

In Washington State, you can legally own guns and certain knives for self-defense. Read on to learn all about it.

Knives and Blades

In Washington State, you can carry knives for self-defense , but the blade must be shorter than 3.5 inches , a knife longer than this is not allowed. You should also avoid hiding your knife when walking around.

Daggers, swords, and large knives can scare people or cause trouble if used to intimidate someone.

Knives that open quickly are legal as well. Keep in mind the blade length rule for these too. So pocket knives and some folding knives fit the law fine but always check the blade size first to stay within legal limits.

Firearms (with restrictions)

Firearms in Washington state are subject to regulations . For instance, a gun is defined as anything capable of discharging a bullet via detonation. Licensed individuals are allowed to store their handguns in their vehicles, provided they are hidden and locked away.

This regulation ensures the secure handling of firearms when they're not in immediate possession. Only specific individuals can bear arms in settings such as schools. These are primarily bank security personnel and law enforcement officers from Washington or the U.S. government in their line of duty.

Some individuals may consider owning a firearm for self-protection a wise decision. However, there are crucial procedures to abide by first. To carry a concealed firearm in public, acquiring a concealed pistol license is necessary.

Moreover, keep in mind the legislation stipulates the manner and locations where firearms can be securely and lawfully carried around others, also within your residence for self-defence reasons.

Prohibited Self-defense Weapons

In Washington State, some self-defense items are off-limits.  For example, brass knuckles and batons. To learn more about what's allowed for your protection, keep reading.

Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles are not allowed in Washington State. This means you cannot own, carry, or use them. They fall under illegal weapons according to Washington law. So, it's important to know this before choosing self-defense tools.

Many people look for ways to stay safe. But with brass knuckles being off-limits , they must find other legal options. There are many other tools and methods that follow the law and keep you safe at the same time.

Batons and Clubs

Progressing beyond brass knuckles, Washington State also disallows batons and clubs. These objects are perceived as hazardous . The law asserts: possessing or displaying a club or bat to intimidate someone or instigate trouble is illegal.

This regulation aids in maintaining safety by preventing threats in their early stages.

Batons and clubs are considered " dangerous weapons " because they can cause significant injury. The law aims to keep items that can easily harm individuals out of the wrong hands. So, if you're looking into self-defense options, keep in mind that these items do not meet Washington's regulations.

How to Choose the Right Self-defense Weapon

Selecting the appropriate self-defense weapon in Washington State begins with understanding what is legal. Your choice should match your safety needs and comfort level.

• First, check if the weapon is legal in your area . This includes looking into specific laws about carrying weapons on properties like college campuses.

• Think about the types of threats you might face. This helps you pick a weapon that suits those situations.

• Learn about different self-defense options. Options include personal protection spray, stun guns, and tactical pens .

• Choose a weapon you can use easily, even when stressed or in an emergency.

• Pick something easy to carry and hide if needed.

• If you want a non-lethal option , consider weapons like pepper spray or stun guns.

• Make sure your response matches the threat level . Use your weapon in a way that’s appropriate for the danger you're facing.

Your safety is key, so take these steps seriously when selecting how to protect yourself.

Conclusion

Washington State lets people carry some self-defense tools. You can have pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms without worry. For more serious protection, knives and certain guns are okay too.

But, brass knuckles and clubs? The law says no to those. Picking the right tool for safety matters a lot here. Always know what's allowed and stay safe out there.

FAQs

1. What self-defense weapons are legal in Washington State?

In Washington State, you are allowed to carry self-defense weapons like pepper spray and stun guns. Additionally, pocket knives and automatic knives are permitted under the law.

2. Can I own a handgun at 18 in Washington State?

No, in Washington State, you cannot own a handgun until you are 21 years old. The legal age for handgun possession is set at 21.

3. Are there any restrictions on carrying pepper spray in Washington State?

Pepper spray is permitted for self-defense in Washington State, but it’s crucial to use it responsibly to prevent any charges of criminal negligence or assault.

4. Is it okay for felons to own air rifles or BB guns in this state?

While specific cases may vary, generally speaking, felons can't possess firearms including air rifles and bb guns according to gun laws of the state.

5. Are there certain types of knives that aren't permitted by law enforcement agencies here?

Yes! While pocket knives and automatic ones are legal, "out the front" (OTF) knives aren't permitted under current regulations.

6. As a resident of this region who wants more information about local laws regarding self-defense tools...where should I turn?

For detailed information on what self-defense weapons are permissible based on your situation or inquiries about other related topics like stand-your-ground laws; reaching out via emails or lawyer referral services to a trusted criminal defense attorney would be beneficial.