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A bulletproof vest, or body armor, is typically worn over the torso to protect the body from small-arms fire and light shrapnel from explosive devices. These vests are often worn by the military, law enforcement officials, and hostage negotiators in situations where a suspect may have a firearm or other destructive device. Private citizens, such as hunters, gun store owners, and convenience store clerks, also use them. And so do criminals, hence this article.
In this article, we review federal and state laws that regulate the possession and use of bulletproof vests (body armor) by private citizens. We use the terms "bulletproof vest" and "body armor" interchangeably. Most laws use the term "body armor."
The answer to this question depends on your state laws, your criminal history (do you have any criminal convictions), and your intent in possessing or using the vest. Federal law may also come into play.
In most states, it's legal to possess, buy, or wear a bulletproof vest as long as you've never been convicted of a crime or felony and don't intend to use the vest while committing a crime. One key exception is New York, which makes it illegal for any person who's not working in an "eligible profession" to buy or take possession of a body vest. Eligible professions include peace officers and persons in military service. (N.Y. Penal Code § 270.21 ().)
Federal law prohibits "violent felons"&#;those with prior felony convictions for violent crimes&#;from possessing, owning, or purchasing body armor.
State and federal laws are constantly changing. It's always a good idea to check the most recent version of the law or consult an attorney if you have questions.
Legally owning or possessing a bulletproof vest or body armor doesn't necessarily mean you can wear it anywhere you want. A few states prohibit wearing bulletproof vests in certain places or while in possession of a weapon. For instance, Louisiana makes it a crime to wear or possess body armor on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in firearm-free zones (with exceptions for law enforcement and other approved officials). Illinois makes it a crime to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon.
In addition to state and federal laws, you should check local regulations (such as city ordinances) and security regulations for prohibited items before donning a vest in public.
(720 I.L.C.S. § 5/33f-2; La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.9 ().)
While laws vary, most states' prohibitions on possessing, buying, or using (wearing) a bulletproof vest apply in the following situations:
You'll want to check out the specifics in your state, but here are a few examples of how the above situations work in law.
Prior convictions. Some states make it a crime for any person with a prior "felony" conviction to possess, buy, or use body armor. In other states, the prohibition might apply to individuals who have a prior conviction for any crime (felonies and misdemeanors), only crimes of violence (usually defined by law), or only those crimes listed in the statute.
While committing a crime. The same differences hold true for state laws that prohibit wearing body armor while committing or attempting to commit a "crime." Some laws identify specific crimes (such as robbery, murder, and burglary), while others make it a violation only if the crime committed while wearing the vest is a felony or a violent crime (felony or misdemeanor).
The penalties among states vary. Some states make it a separate crime&#;a felony or misdemeanor&#;for illegal possession or use of body armor by a prohibited person or while committing a crime.
In other states, if the violation involves wearing body armor in the commission of the crime, the penalty for the underlying crime increases. For instance, a law might increase the felony class for armed robbery from a class 2 to a class 1 felony if the suspect wore a bulletproof vest during the robbery. Other ways a state law can increase penalties for the underlying offense are by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence or tacking additional years onto the sentence.
Federal law makes it illegal for anyone who's been convicted of a felony crime of violence (state or federal) to purchase, own, or possess body armor (except in cases where it's necessary for a job and approved by the employer). A "crime of violence" is any felony that involves the use, attempted use, or threat of physical force against another person or property. A person convicted of illegally purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor faces up to three years in federal prison. (18 U.S.C. §§ 924, 931 ().)
Another federal law provides a sentencing enhancement for use of a vest during the commission of a federal crime of violence or a federal drug-trafficking crime. This provision applies to sentencing under the federal sentencing guidelines. (34 U.S.C. § ().)
The rationale for prohibiting many felons from possessing body armor or bulletproof vests is similar to that of prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These laws aim to protect public and officer safety by keeping "weapons" away from those who've shown they're capable of committing a crime.
Take the federal sentencing enhancement law, for example. It states: "Congress finds that (1) nationally, police officers and ordinary citizens are facing increased danger as criminals use more deadly weaponry, body armor, and other sophisticated assault gear...." (34 U.S.C. § () (emphasis added).)
While one can argue body armor, in and of itself, isn't "assault gear" or "weaponry," as you can see from the discussion of state law above, the federal law's reasoning tends to prevail at the state level as well.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Stab-Proof Vest.
If you're facing criminal charges relating to the possession or use of body armor, contact a criminal defense attorney right away. For federal charges, you'll want to make sure you contact an attorney who practices in federal court and defends these types of cases.
You might also want to talk to an attorney for more information on your state's laws or restrictions on buying or wearing a bulletproof vest.
Personal safety is a fundamental concern for individuals, especially when in a line of work that can threaten it. Jobs within the military, Police, council enforcement and security all fall under this umbrella, and employers are keen to ensure that their staff and colleagues are protected as much as possible when doing their job.
Body armour is one piece of uniform equipment that employers can provide to their front-line staff as a means of protection, but is there any legality to consider about providing a stab or ballistic vest?
Let&#;s take a look at the legal landscape surrounding stab vests and body armour, including laws related to these garments, what the UK regulations are and whether there are any limitations or restrictions.
Understanding the Legal LandscapeThe legal landscape regarding body armour varies across different jurisdictions across the world, where some countries will have specific regulations, whilst others may not have explicit laws addressing them.
In the UK (the umbrella term for England, Scotland and Wales) every organisation has a duty of care to protect their staff under the Health & Safety at Work Act, and this includes issuing body armour to staff that are at risk. An employer can face industrial tribunals if an incident occurs when employees are not adequately protected, and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act both allow for unlimited fines and publicity orders.
Certifications and StandardsThe UK has its own body armour certifications and standards that need to be adhered to when it comes to stab vests and ballistic vests, so let&#;s take a look at those in more detail.
CE Mark: Body armour for civilian use falls under European Council Directive 89/686/EEC on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which states that any armour sold to civilian users must be CE (European Conformity) approved. Only Police and Military wearers are exempt from this PPE legislation, so any job role that requires body armour but isn&#;t police or military will need their body armour to be CE Marked.
Home Office Standards: The UK market is regulated by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), and aside from a CE Mark this HOSDB certification, or more recently known as CAST is the only thing needed. It&#;s not illegal to buy or sell body armour that isn&#;t certified by the Home Office &#; but the onus is on the employer to ensure the protection is adequate; a product that is &#;made to&#; the Home Office standards doesn&#;t mean that it&#;s been officially certified.
Limitations and RestrictionsCurrently, the UK has no specific laws surrounding members of the public wearing or carrying body armour in public, but should an incident arise, the individual should be able to prove that the armour has come from a legitimate source and not for the use of illegal activities.
ConclusionWithin the UK, stab vests and body armour are allowed for personal protection. The legal factors that need to be considered are Home Office certified products, and products that are CE Marked. These 2 specifications not only help employers give their staff the best possible protection but also themselves should the worst occur in the line of duty.
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