In the state of Colorado, residents in Denver must be 18 years or older to own or possess a firearm that is not a pistol. Residents must be 21 to lawfully own a handgun unless they are otherwise prohibited. Many gun owners know the necessary safety precautions they should take to be responsible gun owners, but they do not verse themselves on the law surrounding guns in Colorado. 

If charged with a gun-related crime, it’s essential to hire an experienced Denver gun crimes attorney, like the ones provided at Shouse Law. We know every little detail about the various laws and regulations around firearms set forth by the State of Colorado.  This, and other crimes related to guns, are put in place to protect the rights of the people, but when charged with a gun crime, fighting the charge can become tricky. The various laws throughout the state make it hard to keep up with the exact regulations that need to be followed.  An experienced gun crimes lawyer will know the ins and outs of the laws surrounding weapons and fight to protect the second amendment rights of the individual charged. We understand that misinformation or simply being unaware of a different law can result in a serious charge.  We take pride in representing our clients and fighting for their gun rights. 

What Are The Gun Laws In Colorado?

Colorado follows federal guidelines when it comes to the age requirements for various firearms. Any individual that has been charged with a felony in or out of Colorado is prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm. It’s also important to note that Colorado is a castle doctrine state which allows its residents to use deadly force to protect themselves or their families. This only applies inside the individual’s home, and not in a public setting. 

Colorado also has a red flag law that allows law enforcement or family members to request that any weapons inside the home be removed. If a judge decides that the individual is an extreme risk to themselves or others, they can order the temporary removal of weapons in the home. 

All purchasers of firearms must pass a Colorado Bureau Of Investigation Background Check before they can purchase a firearm. This background check is mandatory for the exchange of any firearm even if it is within the family. This background check must be performed by a licensed firearm dealer even in private sales. 

There are various types of guns that are illegal to possess or own in the state of Colorado, and the Denver area. Types of firearms and weapons that are illegal can be, but are not limited to:

• Armor-piercing ammunition
• Muzzle silencers
• Shotguns that have a barrel length of less than 18 inches
• Rifles that have a barrel length of fewer than 16 inches
• Magazines that are capable of holding more than 15 rounds
• Machine guns
• Guns that have been altered to remove the serial number, or other identifying information 
• Assault weapons (only in Denver)

It’s important to note that in Denver, it is illegal to openly carry a firearm, but in the rest of the state, it is not. 

Examples Of Weapons Crimes In Colorado

Here are a few examples of the types of gun crimes we see in the Denver area and the rest of Colorado. Being charged with a gun-related crime is a serious offense, and we at Shouse Law know exactly how to handle each of these cases and more for our clients.

• Unlawfully carrying a weapon on school property
• Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon
• Illegal discharge of a firearm 
• Possession of a handgun by a juvenile
• Prohibited use of weapons
• Shooting from a public road
• Illegal hunting of animals
• Unlawful purchase of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon 

Penalties For Gun Crimes In Colorado

A firearm charge in Colorado has far-reaching consequences that can affect the individual for the rest of their life. That is why it’s necessary to hire an experienced Denver gun possession lawyer to represent the defendant in and out of court. The knowledgeable team at Shouse Law knows that gun crime penalties can be harsh and life-altering, and that is why we strive to protect the rights of our clients by sticking up for them in court. We do not want a gun charge to significantly impact the lives of our clients, therefore we will work hard to prove that they did not commit the crime they are charged with. 

Here is a list of the penalties that are accompanied by various gun-related convictions. 

• Illegal possession of a weapon – This charge is a class 1 misdemeanor and comes with a penalty of 6-18 months in jail, and/or up-to a $5,000 fine.
• Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon – Carrying a concealed weapon without a proper permit, or in a prohibited area is considered a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for this charge is up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. 
• Possession of a handgun by a juvenile – A juvenile that is charged with possessing a handgun can be court-ordered to serve 3 to 12 months in jail. 
• Unlawful purchase of a firearm – This is a crime that is classified as a class 4 felony, and it can carry a penalty of up to 6 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. 
• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon – This is considered a class 6 felony and has a mandatory sentence of 1-1.5 years in prison as well as a fine of up to $100,000. 

It’s important to note that these penalties usually increase with repeat offenses, or when the crime is considered aggravated. To fully protect the rights of the charged individual and give them the best chance at having their case dismissed, an experienced gun possession lawyer is necessary. 

Contact An Experienced Gun Crime Attorney Near You

Shouse Law is a dedicated criminal defense law firm in Denver, Colorado. We represent individuals throughout the state that have been charged with a criminal offense, and that includes gun possession and weapon possession crimes. Any weapons charge in Colorado requires a serious criminal attorney, and Shouse Law offers dedicated and hard-working criminal defense lawyers to each of our clients. 

With charges that range in severity from a simple misdemeanor to class 4 felonies, weapons crimes have consequences that could prevent you from obtaining a job in the future, being able to protect your family in your home, or being able to exercise your rights as a citizen of the United States. We at Shouse Law work hard to have these charges dismissed so that you may enjoy your rights without having to worry about learning everything about criminal law to defend yourself. In many cases where jail time is threatened, we can knock it down to just a fine, or completely have the charges dismissed. If you or a loved one have been charged with a weapons-related crime, please contact the Shouse Law Group to have your case evaluated and learn about how we can fully protect your rights.