Body Armor

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Federal Law 

18 U.S. Code Sec. 931 

(a)In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for a person to purchase, own, or possess body armor, if that person has been convicted of a felony that is—(1)a crime of violence (as defined in section 16); or
(2)an offense under State law that would constitute a crime of violence under paragraph (1) if it occurred within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

(b)Affirmative Defense.—(1)In general.—It shall be an affirmative defense under this section that—(A)the defendant obtained prior written certification from his or her employer that the defendant’s purchase, use, or possession of body armor was necessary for the safe performance of lawful business activity; and
(B)the use and possession by the defendant were limited to the course of such performance.
(2)Employer.—In this subsection, the term “employer” means any other individual employed by the defendant’s business that supervises defendant’s activity. If that defendant has no supervisor, prior written certification is acceptable from any other employee of the business. 

We do not knowingly sell body armor to convicted felons.

Body Armor Levels: Level IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV

WHAT IS THE NIJ?

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research and standardization department for the U.S. Department of Justice. They scientifically research crime, assess community needs, and evaluate safety products with the end goal of reducing crime and fortifying the justice system.

Protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets and with .40 S&W Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets. Level IIA is soft body armor, light, and undetectable. 

Protects against 9 mm FMJ RN bullets and with .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullets.

Level II is soft body armor stopping common handgun rounds. It is still light and concealable. 

Protects against .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets and with .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets. These are common handgun rounds.

Level IIIA is ideal for everyday users. It offers maximum protection with comfort and ease of movement and activity.

Protects against 7.62 mm FMJ, steel jacketed bullets (U.S. Military designation M80).

Level III marks the transition to hard body armor meaning the armor contains metal plates or other composite materials, and can withstand rifle rounds. 

Protects against .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) rounds (U.S. Military designation M2 AP).

This is the highest rating of body armor available on the market. Level IV is hard body armor and designed for military settings. It can be heavy and feel restraining. Level IV armor typically  does not stand well versus t multi-hit situations.

We do not sell to Connecticut, New York, or Chicago.

Chicago:

 "Furthermore, if you live in Chicago, you cannot sell, possess, or purchase body armor. Recently, Chicago passed the ordinance that prohibits anybody in the City of Chicago to sale, possess, or purchase body armor. Now, according to 8-4-148 “Sale or possession of body armor”, no person shall sell, offer for sale, possess, or purchase body armor. Any person who violates this law will pay a fine not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00."

Learn More: https://tihvinlaw.com/home/

New York: 

It is illegal for LTD to sell, distribute, deliver, or provide body armor to residents in the state of New York. This includes government agencies as we cannot provide this to you by hand delivery. 

Learn More: https://dos.ny.gov/body-armor

WE STILL SELL TO THESE LOCATIONS FOR LEGAL GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL TRANSACTIONS 

Alabama

Alabama does not have any additional laws for civilians to purchase body armor legally. In Alabama, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Alaska

In Alaska, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face by civilians legally.

Arizona

Like many states, Arizona has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, it is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess body armor if you have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, assault, or battery, and this law does not affect body armor retailers. In any other case, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

California

In California, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Colorado

In Colorado, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Connecticut

Of all the states, Connecticut has the toughest law on body armor, prohibiting residents from buying or selling body armor except through a face-to-face sale. Online retailers cannot market and sell to Connecticut residents. In Connecticut, it is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, to sell or deliver body armor unless the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the sale or delivery. The law exempts sales or deliveries to: authorized officials or sworn members of local police departments, the State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Correction, or the Board or Pardons or Parole; authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services’ officials who buy body armor for the above agencies; authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body armor for probation officers; members of the National Guard or armed forces (CGS § 53-341b).

Delaware

Delaware has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Florida

Florida has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime, and, and this does not affect body armor retailers.

In Florida, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Georgia

Georgia has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a violent crime, or while trafficking drugs. This does not affect body armor retailers.

In Georgia, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, all civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Idaho

In Idaho, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Illinois

Illinois does not have any additional body armor laws pertaining to retailers. In Illinois, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. However, it is illegal to for individuals to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission or attempted commission of any offense. Unlawful use of body armor is a Class A misdemeanor.

Indiana

In Indiana, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person. A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Class D felony (up until July 2014, when a new law takes effect). The new law states that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Level 6 felony. Again, this law effects criminals, not retailers.

Iowa

In Iowa, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Kansas

In the city of Topeka, Kansas, it is illegal to possess, carry or wear a bulletproof vest during protests, parades, rallies, assemblies and demonstrations. This statute does not affect retailers. In Kansas, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Louisiana

Louisiana has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime or on school property. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Louisiana, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. It is illegal to wear body armor on the premises of a school.

Maine

In Maine, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Maryland

Maryland law mandates that all civilians with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, or a drug trafficking crime, are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police. A civilian with a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime may file, for good cause shown, a petition with the Secretary for a permit to use, possess, and purchase bulletproof body armor.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. In Massachusetts, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Michigan

In Michigan, any civilian of age can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that civilian has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. In Michigan, an individual who commits or attempts to commit a crime that involves a violent act or a threat of a violent act against another person while wearing body armor is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both. This is not applying to state officers and security officers performing their duties while on or off a scheduled work shift.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Missouri

In Missouri, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Montana

In Montana, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nevada

In Nevada, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has laws in place that make committing a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest a felony, but does not have laws in place that prohibit sales of bulletproof vests by retailers. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he commits or attempts to commit any felony while using or wearing body armor.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Additionally, in New Jersey, a civilian can be charged separately for wearing a bullet proof vest while carrying out criminal acts. The practical effect is more jail time and fines. Separate penalties have a wide range depending on the seriousness of the underlying crime.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New York

Body armor cannot be purchased in the state of New York unless you work within a profession approved for ownership of body armor such as law enforcement.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In North Carolina, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Ohio

Ohio does not have any additional body armor laws. In Ohio, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Oklahoma, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Oregon

In Oregon, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have any additional body armor laws. In Pennsylvania, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor and bulletproof vests, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. In 2012, Rhode Island’s General Assembly passed a bill that forbids anyone convicted of a felony that is a crime of violence from buying or possessing body armor. This does not affect retailers of bullet proof vests.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In South Carolina, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Tennessee

Tennessee also has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a Class E felony. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Tennessee, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Texas

In Texas, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Utah

In Utah, civilians can purchase body armor legally and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Vermont

Vermont does not have any additional body armor laws. In Vermont, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Virginia

Virginia has one additional body armor law, like many states: Any person who, while committing a crime of violence or a felony violation, has in his possession a firearm or knife and is wearing body armor designed to diminish the effect of the impact of a bullet or projectile, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law does not affect retailers. In Virginia, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Washington State

In Washington, civilians can purchase body armor legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, it is illegal for a civilian to wear body armor while committing a felony, an element of which is force, the threat of force, physical harm to another or the use or presentment of a firearm or other deadly weapon. This does not affect body armor retailers. In West Virginia, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. In Wisconsin, regulations also state donning a bulletproof vest during a felony or attempted felony can lead to an additional felony conviction or added years to the final prison sentence. This law affects certain individuals who might purchase and wear bulletproof vests but does not affect retailers.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, any civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be legally purchased both online or face-to-face.

This information is not to be construed as legal advice or counsel on the purchase or possession of laws. 

Shipping times vary from a few days to a few weeks based on whether you are ordering plates or shields. Custom orders are made on demand to your unique specifications and request. These orders are filled first come first serve. 

Yes, Please call us at 936-320-8400 to discuss your purchase order. 

We do have sales representatives that travel and visit businesses and homes. We do our best to respect no solicitation or sales signs and private property. If you are unsure the person who showed up works for us please call us at 936-320-8400 and we will verify them for you.