The Second Amendment gives you the right to bear arms. However, this right is not without restrictions. A conviction of a Colorado weapons charge can result in severe penalties and give you a criminal record that can make it difficult for you to secure employment, housing, and personal success. The Loveland criminal defense attorneys at The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC can help protect your rights. Contact our Loveland weapons charge attorney online or call (970) 791-2006 today for a confidential consultation.
What Are Weapons Charges in Colorado?
There are various weapons offenses in Colorado, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Unlawful purchase of a firearm
- Illegal discharge of a firearm
- Concealed weapons charges
- Possession of a firearm by a previous offender
In some cases, having a gun in your possession while another crime is committed can result in sentencing enhancements, such as drug charges, robbery, or assault.
Many weapons charges require mandatory prison time upon conviction, so it’s important to work with an experienced weapons charge lawyer who can fight to protect your rights.
Colorado Gun Laws
Colorado has a number of gun laws that people may find themselves in violation of, including:
Dangerous Weapons Law
Colorado prohibits anyone from earning certain types of weapons that are considered dangerous, including:
- Gas guns
- Blackjacks
- Brass knuckles
- Switchblade knives
If you are found in possession of one of these dangerous weapons, you can face serious charges.
Concealed Carry Law
Colorado does not permit people to carry a concealed weapon unless:
- They are in their home or place of business
- They are on property that is in their complete control
- They are driving in a vehicle registered to them
- They have a permit to carry a concealed weapon
There are additional restrictions on where a person can carry a gun, such as in public schools or government buildings.
Possession of a Firearm by a Prior Offender
If you have been convicted of a felony in any state, you can face charges if you knowingly use, possess, or carry a firearm, even if you are not committing a crime.
Firearms Possession Law
In addition to people who have been previously convicted of a felony, others are not allowed to possess a firearm in Colorado, including:
- Those who are on probation
- Those who were previously adjudicated as a juvenile for an offense in which they would have been charged with a felony if they had been an adult when they committed the crime
- Those who are subject to a court order restricting their gun possession rights, such as those who have a protective order against them
- Those who are subject to other provisions mandated by a court
You can face weapons charges if you fall into any of these categories and possess a firearm or you purchase a firearm for a person who falls into one of these categories.
Contact Us Today
Weapons charges carry serious penalties. If you have a prior history of weapons convictions, penalties are even more severe. An experienced Colorado weapon charges lawyer can form a defense strategy to strive to lessen the charges against you and the penalties you are facing. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC online or call (970) 791-2006 today for help.