Carrying a Concealed Weapon
In Colorado, residents have a right to bear arms and to conceal said weapon if they have the appropriate permit. There are only very few exceptions where Colorado law would allow a person without a permit to conceal carry. Violating these conceal carry laws can result in criminal charges, which can make a significant impact on your life.
Violating Colorado’s conceal carry laws will result in a misdemeanor and in some cases can even be elevated to a felony. That means you could potentially be facing a prison sentence of up to five years even if the firearm never discharged or was shown in public. With so much at stake, it’s important you get started on your defense as soon as possible. If you or someone you know has been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, contact Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C..
Denver Attorney for Concealed Weapon Charges
If you’ve been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon or any other weapons-related charge, the decisions you make in the coming days, weeks, and months can have permanent consequences. Thankfully, you have options to avoid jeopardizing your future.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, PC, we focus on providing high-powered, tactical criminal defense representation and expert legal counsel for those facing criminal charges. We know the Colorado court system better than anyone else, and we have the detailed understanding of the criminal justice system that you want working for you.
Call (303) 725-0017 to set up your first consultation with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. today. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the Denver area and surrounding counties including Douglas County, Broomfield County, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, Adams County, and Boulder County.
Information Center:
- Can You Conceal Carry in Colorado?
- How Do I Get a Conceal Carry Permit?
- Penalties for Violating Conceal Carry Laws in CO
- Additional Resources
Can You Conceal Carry in Colorado?
The state of Colorado allows its residents to conceal carry if they’ve taken the proper steps to do so. If you conceal carry without the right permit, you’ll be in violation of the Colorado Revised Code Section 18-12-105. According to CRS, you’re violating Colorado’s statutes if you conceal carry without a permit one of the following:
- Firearms of any type
- Knives with a blade longer than 3 ½ inches
- Weapons classified as a dangerous or illegal weapon such as a firearm silencer, machine gun, ballistic knife, or short shotgun
- Any type of incendiary, explosive, or other dangerous device near or within the chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly in which a legislative hearing or meeting is about to be or is being conducted
There are a few situations where you’re permitted to “conceal carry” without a permit in Colorado. Listed below are instances where you can legally carry a concealed firearm.
- You’re in your home, property, or place of business you control
- You’re in a private automobile and you’re carrying the weapon for lawful protection of your or another person’s property while traveling
- You have a valid permit and are following conceal carry laws
- You’re on a fishing or hunting trip with a specific hunting/fishing knife
- You’re a peace officer and you’re carrying your weapon in compliance with department policies and rules
- You’re an on-duty probation or pretrial services officer on duty
- You’re carrying a knife with a blade less than 3 ½ inches long
Please note, the definition of “concealed” is specific to the Colorado statue. Colorado law states a weapon is concealed on your person if it’s out of sight so as to not be discernible or apparent by ordinary observation.
How Do I Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Colorado?
To lawfully obtain a conceal carry permit, you’ll face to apply with your local county Sheriff’s office. You cannot qualify for a conceal carry permit unless you meet all the following criteria.
- You’re a Colorado resident or a military service member of the armed forced stationed in Colorado (or the immediate family of a service member)
- You’re 21 or older
- You’re not ineligible to possess a firearm under any state or federal law
- You’ve never been convicted of perjury in connection with a conceal carry permit application
- You’re not an alcoholic and don’t use controlled substances in a habitual manner
- You’re not subject to any civil or criminal protective order
- You can demonstrate you have experience with handgun competency. You can do this by producing a firearms training certificate from a handgun class as well as a firearm safety course within the last 10 years. The certificate must have the class instructor’s signature
Penalties for Violating Conceal Carry Laws in CO
Even if the gun never discharges and no one is harmed, you’ll still face criminal charges for violating conceal carry laws. It doesn’t matter how proficient you are in firearms. The state will not hesitate to prosecute if you haven’t obtained the appropriate permit. A first-time violation of conceal carry laws in Colorado is a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
If it’s your second or subsequent conviction within five years, you’ll instead face a class 5 felony. The maximum sentence for a class 5 felony includes:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- A fine of up to $100,000
Additional Resources
How to Get a Concealed Weapon Permit | Denver County – Visit the official website for the El Paso County Sheriff to learn how you can apply for and obtain a conceal weapons permit. Access the site to see the steps you need to make to qualify, how retired officers can obtain a permit, and other information that may be valuable.
Conceal Carry Laws in Colorado | Revised Statutes – Visit the official website for the Colorado Revised Statutes to read up on their laws pertaining to conceal carry. Access the site to learn what happen if you violate those laws, admissible defenses, and other comparable crimes.
Colorado Conceal & Carry Laws | Firearm Denver Defense Attorney
It’s completely understandable if you’re panicked or fretting about what to do with a charge for violating conceal carry laws looming over your head. It’s tempting to consult with family, friends, or legal professionals you might have in your social network. However, it’s important to realize that your best friend right now is not any single person in your family, community, or business. It’s time.
The legal team at Matthew A. Martin, PC only works criminal defense cases that are only tried and administered in the state of Colorado. It’s all we do. Call us at (303) 725-0017 to set up your first consultation with Matthew Martin who has over 28 years of experience to draw back on. He can assess your case and develop a defense plan to save your rights and future.