Gun & Open Carry Laws in Colorado
According to Colorado’s Revised Statutes (CRS) 8-12-106, open carrying a registered & legal firearm is lawful in most areas except Denver due to a 2004 change in legislation. Additionally, openly carrying an illegal firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor and a class 5 felony for multiple offenses.
Colorado Concealed Carry Rules
- If you want to carry a concealed firearm on or near your person in Colorado, though, you will need a concealed handgun permit. Keep in mind that a concealed carry permit does not allow a gun owner to use their weapon in any way that violates state or federal law, such as using it to intimidate, harm, or incite someone.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution is one of the most hotly debated political issues of our time. In order to achieve a balance between parties who want to be able to own any firearm they like and parties who think any gun will cause gun violence, each state has established its own set of gun laws, rules, and regulations. If you are a gun owner in Colorado, you need to know the ins and outs of the state’s carry laws, or else you could find yourself slammed with serious weapons charges.
If you are facing charges for a gun crime, discuss your case in a FREE consultation now!
Colorado also has statutes that disqualify a number of individuals from purchasing, owning, or carrying a concealed firearm based on preexisting legal conditions. The right to own a gun can also be revoked through a court’s order at any time it is legally permissible as a penalty. If you face criminal charges that could result in gun confiscation, understanding the characteristics to look for in a Colorado criminal lawyer becomes important. Your right to gun ownership can also be suspended if there is a reasonable suspicion that you no longer meet qualifying criteria.
You cannot obtain a concealed carry permit if:
- Convicted of perjury related to an application for a concealed handgun license
- Habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that your faculties are impaired
- Are subject to a temporary or permanent protection order
- Are addicted to a controlled substance
It should be noted that even if someone meets the requirements listed above, the county sheriff’s office has the discretion to deny an individual a permit. Your county sheriff may exercise this right if they believe your past behavior indicates you may present a danger to yourself or others while in possession of a firearm.
When Firearms are Strictly Prohibited
Regardless of an individual’s permits, there are a number of circumstances where it is prohibited to carry any kind of firearm, concealed or openly:
- On school premises.
- In a vehicle, unless the firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
- In certain government buildings.
Penalties in CO for Illegal Carrying of Firearms
Carrying a firearm whenever it is illegal to do so will open you up to a variety of strict criminal punishments. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor to carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Colorado, punishable by 3 to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second or subsequent conviction of carrying a handgun without a valid permit will be charged as a Class 5 felony. The penalties may include a fine of between $1,000 and $100,000 and up to 18 months’ imprisonment.
Colorado Open Carry Charges Legal Counsel
If you have been arrested on a weapons charge in Colorado, it is imperative to retain the services of a gun crimes attorney who will take your case seriously and do everything to protect you from harsh consequences, such as the removal of your Second Amendment rights. At the Law Office of Kevin Cahill, you can work with an award-winning Denver criminal lawyer with thousands of cases managed throughout his career.
Put that caliber of defense in your corner today by contacting our firm for a complimentary consultation.