Colorado Gun Control Laws
According to Colorado state law, gun dealers are required to keep very careful records of their customers’ names, age, occupation, residence, and details about the product sold. The record should also include the date of the sale and the name of the employee who made the sale. These records are to be open at all times to authorized police officers. This law was created to more carefully monitor the sale of firearms in the state of Colorado and to ensure that all purchases and transfers are legal.
Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations
The following is a list of firearm and weapon offenses in the state of Colorado:
- Possession of a dangerous weapon- The state of Colorado defines a “dangerous weapon,” as a silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife. The first offense is a class 5 felony, punishable with 1-3 years in prison with a mandatory parole of two years. Every subsequent conviction is a class 4 felony with a minimum of two years in prison, maximum six years
- Possession of an illegal weapon- “Illegal weapons” include blackjacks, gas guns, metallic knuckles, gravity knives and switchblade knives. Possession of one of these weapons can result in a class 1 misdemeanor with a possible sentence of 6 to 18 months and/or a fine of $500-$5,000
- Carrying a concealed weapon- Except in certain circumstances, carrying a concealed weapon can result in a class 2 misdemeanor with a possible sentence of 3-12 months and/or $250-$1,000 fine. If a concealed weapon is carried in a public or private school or the Colorado State Legislature, the resulting punishment will be a class 6 felony with a minimum of one year spent in prison
- Unlawful use of a firearm- Reckless, knowing or negligent use of a weapon can result in a class 2 misdemeanor with a possibly penalty of 3-12 months in prison and/or a $250-$1,000 fine
Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of Colorado
|
| Age | Registration | License | Permit |
| Handguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | Required |
| Rifles | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None Required |
| Shotguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None Required |
Colorado Gun Purchasing Laws
Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases
- Firearms dealers must make careful records of all sales and transfers, which should be open to law enforcement agencies
- Sale, loan, or lend of a firearm to individuals who are under the age of 18, are a fugitive from justice, is an illegal alien in the United States, who has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence in any court, who has been committed to a mental institution, who has renounced his or her citizenship, who is an unlawful user of any controlled substance or who has been discharged from the U.S. military under dishonorable conditions is illegal in the state of Colorado
Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Colorado
|
| Age | Registration | License | Permit |
| Handguns | No sale to minor under age of 18 | None required | None required | None required |
| Rifles | No sale to minor under age of 18 | None required | None required | None required |
| Shotguns | No sale to minor under age of 18 | None required | None required | None required |
Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Colorado
Though it is illegal to fire a gun or even point a gun at another person, if it is determined to be in self-defense, then the individual in possession of the firearm may be found innocent of any weapons charges.
Legal Help
When facing firearms charges, it is extremely important to hire an attorney who is experienced in Colorado state weapons law.
