Stun guns are legal in a majority of states, including Tennessee. Unlike with firearms, Tennessee laws do not specifically prohibit possession of stun guns by convicted felons. In fact, stun guns are barely mentioned in the statutes, except in relation to unarmed security guards. However, there are other states that prohibit either the possession of stun guns generally, or possession by felons specifically, so even if a felon legally possesses a stun gun in Tennessee, he may not be able to do so outside the state.

Stun Gun Defined

    Tennessee law defines a stun gun as a hand-held device designed and manufactured for self-defense that emits an electrical spark that can momentarily disable a person. There are two prongs at the end of a stun gun. Pulling the trigger while touching the attacker with the prongs causes an electrical current to go from the prongs through the attacker’s clothes into his body. The pulsed current can disable a person for up to 30 minutes. Considered a non-lethal weapon, stun guns are not intended to kill or permanently injure the targeted person.

Regulation

    Tennessee, like a majority of states, does not prohibit the possession or use of stun guns in the state. Stun guns are not directly regulated, with the exception of security personnel. Under the law, unarmed security personnel, like security guards, may carry stun guns only if they have successfully completed state-approved training and their employer authorizes use of the stun gun during work.

Felons

    Both federal and state laws prohibit felons from possessing firearms; however, stun guns are generally not considered firearms. State laws define firearms as any weapon designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or any device that can readily be converted to that use. Generally, stun guns don't qualify as firearms under this legal definition, especially since they are widely considered as non-lethal weapons. Before purchasing or possessing a stun gun, felons should consult a local attorney to ensure that doing so will not be in violation of state or local laws.

Felon Ban

    Although stun guns are legal in a majority of states, there are several states where they are not, including Michigan, New Jersey and Hawaii. This means that felons and other citizens are prohibited from having stun guns in their possession in these states. In addition to certain states, smaller jurisdictions also restrict stun gun possession, such as the District of Columbia and Baltimore. Even if a felon travels or moves to another jurisdiction that permits stun guns, he may be banned from possession if the new location specifically prohibits felons from carrying stun guns, such as California, New Hampshire and Virginia.