Unlawfully providing a gun to a juvenile in Denver is a crime that involves giving, lending, or selling a firearm to those under the age of 18. There are exceptions if the gun is for lawful use, such as a safety course, hunting with a valid license, or a firearms competition. However, this must occur with permission from the minor’s parent or guardian. Providing firearms to juveniles in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony and can lead to strict, impactful penalties. Contact a skilled firearms lawyer right away if you’re facing allegations of providing a minor with a gun.
Can You Give a Firearm to a Juvenile in Denver?
There are specific scenarios where a juvenile can be in possession of a firearm. These are found in CRS 18-12-108.5. However, unlawfully providing firearms to underage individuals is addressed in CRS 18-12-108.7:
- any person who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly,
- provides a handgun with or without remuneration,
- to any person under the age of eighteen years in violation of section 18-12-108.5,
- or any person who knows of such juvenile’s conduct which violates section 18-12-108.5 and fails to make reasonable efforts to prevent such violation,
- commits the crime of unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun.
- any person who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly,
- provides a handgun to a juvenile or permits a juvenile to possess a handgun,
- even though such person is aware of a substantial risk that such juvenile will use a handgun to commit a felony offense,
- or who, being aware of such substantial risk, fails to make reasonable efforts to prevent the commission of the offense,
- commits the crime of unlawfully providing or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun.
- with regard to firearms other than handguns,
- no person shall sell, rent, or transfer ownership or allow unsupervised possession of a firearm with or without remuneration,
- to any juvenile without the consent of the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian.
How Bad is Providing a Gun to a Juvenile in Colorado?
Each case involving illegally selling, giving, or lending a juvenile a firearm is different. In cases where the firearm is something other than a handgun, a class 1 misdemeanor often applies. A conviction can lead to:
- a county jail sentence of 12 – 18 months,
- fines of $500 – $5,000
However, unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting them to possess one illegally is a class 4 felony. Penalties in these cases can include:
- a prison sentence of 2 – 6 years,
- fines of $2,000 – $500,000
Denver’s Top Firearm Crimes Attorney
Anyone facing accusations of illegally giving a gun to a juvenile should seek strategic representation right away. Our criminal lawyers have decades of combined experience navigating charges related to firearms and are prepared for your unique case. Perhaps you provided a firearm for a lawful purpose with permission or you believed the juvenile would harm you if you denied possession. Nevertheless, contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing firearm crimes throughout Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County.
Don’t talk to the police if you’ve been accused of giving a gun to a juvenile – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-731-0719
Photo by Jay Rembert