Possessing a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon in Colorado
Dangerous Weapons Law in Colorado involves many variables and is ever changing. It is important to have a Colorado lawyer who understands the implications of your charges and defenses to counter unfair or excessive government allegations. There are two categories of weapons which are illegal to possess in Colorado.
First, Colorado law has defined a "Dangerous Weapon" to mean a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun (shorter than 18 inches), short rifle (shorter than 16 inches), or ballistic knife. Possession of a Dangerous Weapon can lead to charges of a class-5 felony, with a sentence of one to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (prison). Repeat offenders (two or more Dangerous Weapons Offenses) possessing a Dangerous Weapon in Denver or another Colorado county, will be charged with a class-4 felony, potentially resulting in a two to eight year sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections. C.R.S. 18-12-102. Generally, any weapon that has been modified after being legally manufactured, is susceptible to being classified as a Colorado Dangerous Weapon. Therefore, don't take a chance in Colorado of Possessing a Dangerous Weapon.
A second category of an unlawful weapon in Colorado is an "Illegal Weapon", which means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife, or switchblade knife. C.R.S. 18-12-102. Less serious than Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of an Illegal Weapon in Colorado is a class-1 misdemeanor. A class one misdemeanor has a maximum penalty of eighteen months in the County Jail in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and every other Colorado County. Sometimes, our clients innocently possess brass knuckles or a switch-blade knife as a souvenir from Mexico or other country. Unfortunately, any possession of these Illegal Weapons can impact a person's future for a lifetime with a criminal record. There are rare exceptions to Illegal Weapons charges, so it is best to never bring souvenirs of this type into Colorado.
Colorado Dangerous / Illegal Weapon Possession Lawyer
Your future in the job and housing market can be impacted in Colorado by possession of a Dangerous Weapon or Illegal Weapon. Most employers will conduct a criminal history background check. We are able to minimize or eliminate a harmful criminal history by working in advance of trial or a plea with Colorado District Attorneys and judges. Our eighteen years experience fighting exaggerated charges gives us the tools to protect your job and housing future.
If you or a loved one has been contacted by Colorado police regarding Possession of an Illegal or Dangerous Weapon, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the O'Malley Law Office, P.C., at 303-731-0719, for a free initial consultation with an experienced Colorado criminal lawyer. Together, we can protect your future.
