I still remember police officer stories from a small town I lived in, where the cops were watching a doper thug as he strolled around downtown. They were watching him to see if his large knife was concealed. The doper knew the law and the police never got him for carrying a concealed weapon. He made sure at least a part of the knife was always in view of others. The law was simple with knives, as long as part of it was visible above the pant-line, it could not be considered a concealed weapon and violate the state’s Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon law.
What is the Law Today on Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon Charges?
Today, we still have similar laws. Without a concealed weapons permit, you can’t hide or conceal a gun or knife upon your person in Jefferson or Arapahoe County. C.R.S. 18-12-105. If you do so, you will be violating the law. Before examining the definition of this crime, let’s look at some key terms:
“Knife means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use.”
“Firearm means any handgun, automatic, revolver, pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other instrument or device capable or intended to be capable of discharging bullets, cartridges, or other explosive charges.”
The Definition of Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon
With these two key terms defined, we can now look at the definition of Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Douglas and Adams County:
“A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully:
a. Carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person; or
b. Carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person; or
c. Without legal authority, carries, brings, or has in such person’s possession a firearm or any explosive, incendiary, or other dangerous device on the property of or within any building in which the chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or either house thereof, are located, or in which a legislative hearing or meeting is being or is to be conducted, or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located.”
Read more about when you can carry a concealed weapon.
Exceptions to the Law on Concealed Weapons
There are a few exceptions to this law, but many police officers ignore them. In the end, our criminal defense attorneys emphasize these to the prosecutor in your case. Here’s what you can do legally:
You can legally possess or conceal a firearm on yourself in Lone Tree and Aurora when you are at work, home, or in your car. The firearm needs to be kept in the home or business of the person concealing it. If in a truck or car, it must be concealed “for lawful protection of such person’s or another’s person or property while traveling”. C.R.S. 18-12-105. The language, “for lawful protection of such person’s or another person’s person or property” is very important. Police officers will try and establish another reason for your possession and defeat this useful affirmative defense. They are strong advocates for the district attorney and not seeking to help you. Don’t be fooled. They get kudos from fellow officers and supervisors for convictions – not for arresting the right person.
Our criminal defense lawyers work for you. You are our #1 priority. Help us help you, by never answering the questions of police or providing a written statement to them. They want to hurt you. Next, call our criminal lawyers at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.