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Weapon Crimes

The State of Colorado has long, complex statutes related to the possession, sale, and discharge of weapons including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and other firearms. If you don’t know Colorado gun laws and yet you find yourself on the receiving end of a weapons offense charge, you need an attorney immediately. A simple mistake or being unaware of the law could land you with a criminal conviction and serious penalties including jail, hefty fines, and revocation of your firearms.

That is why we highly recommend you seek legal representation if you’ve been charged with a weapons or firearm crime. Having the power of a proven criminal defense attorney empowers you to leave the difficult discussions with a professional. They know what to say on your behalf and how to protect you from making potentially costly mistakes throughout the entire process. Don’t wait another moment to protect your rights and future; hire an attorney today.

Firearm Denver Defense Lawyer, CO

We know how frustrating it can be to be faced with the daunting task of navigating the courts, filing motions, and taking the right actions to ensure an optimal outcome in a weapons offense case. For these reasons, we suggest you consult Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. The Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, PC has first-hand experience guiding defendants in gun charge cases, representing them in court, and upholding their rights to bear arms throughout the criminal justice system.

Call (303) 725-0017 to schedule your first consultation with defense attorney Martin today. He can develop a defense strategy for you by meticulously studying of your case and how they comport with similar cases here in Colorado. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. has offices in Denver, but accepts clients in nearby counties including Arapahoe County, Adams County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Boulder County, and Broomfield County

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Common Firearm and Weapons Crimes in Colorado

Colorado law provides for harsh penalties for weapon offenses. For example, did you know that the state of Colorado treats weapons offenses as “enhanceable”?

This means that in weapons offense cases that involve a crime (i.e. robbery), the mere possession of the weapon can be used by the courts to “elevate” the charges. This in turn can change a simple burglary into first-degree burglary or simple assault into assault in the second degree.

These enhanced charges almost always carry with them higher charges with lengthy, mandatory prison sentences. If you try to defend yourself against these charges without a criminal defense attorney advising and representing you, things are not likely to go well for you.

Other categories of weapons offense cases enforced by the state of Colorado include:

  • Possession of a pistol at the airport/Violation of airport rule/regs.
  • Menacing.
    • Were you involved in a road-rage situation where you used your firearm to defend yourself and now you are charged with a serious felony, facing a prison sentence, and loss of your right to ever possess a firearm?
    • Don’t make the mistake of defending yourself against felony charges.
    • Menacing is a class 5 felony and if convicted, you are not eligible to ever possess a firearm.
  •  Possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
    • Someone who has been previously convicted of a felony cannot possess, use, or carry upon their person any firearm or they risk being charged with a class 5 or class 6 felony.
  • Possession of a stolen firearm.
    • Even though Colorado prohibits the licensing and registration of firearms, it is a crime to possess a firearm that has been reported as stolen.
  •  Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon.
    • Even though Colorado is an “open carry” state (meaning it is legal for anyone 18 or older to openly carry a non-concealed firearm), carrying a concealed weapon without a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit is illegal unless you are carrying it in a vehicle for your own protection.

For some people, carrying a firearm at all is prohibited, including:

  • Minors under the age of 18 cannot possess a pistol (except under certain circumstances set forth in 18-12-108.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes);
  • People bound by a state-issued protective order prohibiting weapon possession; or
  • Visitors from other states that do not fall into the category of gun law reciprocity with Colorado.

Those facing a weapons offense of this type are at risk of being convicted of a Class 2 misdemeanor which can include up to 12 months of jail time and fines of up to $1,000 (not including legal and court fees).

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Prohibited Use of a Weapon in Colorado

In Colorado, there are some things you simply cannot do with a firearm. These actions are considered class 2 misdemeanors and they carry with them up to 12 months of jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In our state, it is illegal to:

  • Possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Point or aim a firearm at another person
  • Discharge a firearm in a reckless manner
  • Set traps involving the discharge of firearms

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Firearm Trafficking or “Straw Purchasing”

When firearms are bought and sold in the state of Colorado, there are certain documentation requirements that must be met. One of these requirements is for unlicensed sellers (read: private parties) to obtain a background check on anyone they sell a firearm to. Not doing so is a direct violation of Colorado state law.

Also, knowingly selling or transferring a firearm to someone who cannot legally possess it is also sharply illegal. Moreover, it’s prohibited to make false claims or statements (including using a false identity) during private party transactions involving firearms.

Keep in mind that just because you might be facing criminal charges involving weapons, this doesn’t mean you’re 100% guaranteed to be convicted of these charges. A lot of circumstantial factors can play into the final result of a weapons offense case, and with the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like Matt Martin, case dismissals and charge reductions can make for a much more attractive outcome for the defendant.

This is why it’s critically important to retain legal counsel for your case as soon as possible. Not doing so could run the risk of your case being tried under the full force of Colorado law, a scenario that could land you in jail for months or years. This could also make you responsible for paying potentially tens of thousands of dollars in fines (not to mention having to live with a stained criminal history).

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The Difference between Legal Counsel and Legal Representation

Attorneys who represent clients facing weapons offense charges provide two key services: counsel and representation. It’s important to know the difference between these.

Legal counsel can be construed as legal advice. When you receive legal counsel from an attorney, you are told what actions, discussions, or motions are advisable for you to engage in.

Almost as important are the actions, discussions, or motions that are not advisable for you to engage in. Often, obtaining legal counsel in a weapons offense case can make the difference between a smooth, optimal case outcome and a catastrophic one.

Legal representation is what your attorney does on your behalf during interactions with the Colorado court system. This can include making arguments during a trial, filing motions, and making appeals in your case.

While you could do all of these things on your own (it’s completely permissible to represent yourself in a weapons offense case), unless you’re a competent criminal defense attorney, chances are you are not going to be successful.

The Law Office of Matt Martin has extensive experience providing both legal counsel and representation for those facing weapons offense charges. Our law firm takes the time to fully understand the details of your case so we can develop a strong, compelling defense if and when the time comes to go to trial.

Often, a trial isn’t even necessary. Many weapons offense cases can be dismissed outright due to technicalities or missteps by the Colorado court system. Only an established criminal defense expert like Matt Martin knows exactly how to identify these missteps and use them to the advantage of the client.

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Steps to Take When You’re Being Charged with a Weapons Offense

If you are being investigated or charged with a gun crime, there are some steps you can take to help protect yourself including:

  • Do not discuss the details of your case with anyone except your attorney. As they say, “loose lips sink ships”
  • Do not agree to any “deals” offered to you by the prosecuting attorney or the DA. Often, these deals are shrouded in implied commitments that may not be necessary for you to comply with.
  • Start building a war chest for your legal defense. Depending on the complexity and severity of your case, your experience as a defendant in the Colorado court system could be a lengthy and expensive one. Court fees, legal fees, and other expenses add up, and it’s best to be prepared with as much capital as you can bring to the table.
  • Stay positive. It’s common for those facing gun charges to become overwhelmed by their situation. This is completely understandable, as there is a lot at stake here. However, maintaining a positive attitude and staying grounded is incredibly important during this difficult time.

The final step you absolutely must take as you prepare to proceed on this journey is to hire an attorney. The legal team at the Law Office of Matt Martin, PC is standing by right now to discuss the details of your case.

Contact us today to schedule a case review. Call (303) 725-0017.

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Additional Resources

Colorado Gun Laws | CSP – Visit the official website for the Colorado State Patrol to learn more about the state’s laws pertaining to firearms. Access the site to learn the laws concerning firearms in a national park, how to obtain a conceal carry permit, and how to register your weapon in the state of Colorado.

Firearm and Weapon Offenses | CRS – Visit the official website for the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) to learn more about their laws for weapons and firearm crimes. Access the stie to learn the penalties for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, unlawful discharge, possession of a defaced firearm, and other various crimes.

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Weapon and Firearm Defense | Denver Attorney in Colorado

Have you been accused of a weapons or firearm related crime? If so, it’s within your best interest to contact Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. The reasons for this are multiple, and without expert legal defense, you could be setting yourself up for exorbitant fines, a tarnished criminal record, and even jail time. Matthew Martin can apply his 28 years of trial experience to your case so you can avoid these penalties and hopefully move on from this period in your life.

Schedule your first consultation with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. by calling our offices today at (303) 725-0017.