The laws pertaining to firearms are complicated, confusing and provide for a wide range of punishment.
In an attempt to comply with the constitutional right to bear arms, Colorado has a number of statutes that deal with the possession and use of firearms. It is a misdemeanor if a person knowingly and unlawfully aims a firearm at another person. Additionally, it is a misdemeanor offense if a person recklessly or with criminal negligence discharges a firearm at any location. It is also a misdemeanor offense even if the gun is not fired if the person who is in possession of the firearm is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance. If two such offenses are committed within a period of (5) years, the misdemeanor offense becomes a Class 5 felony.
It is also a felony to knowingly or recklessly discharge a firearm into any dwelling or building or a motor vehicle that is occupied by any person. Of course, police officers are exempted if the firearm is discharged while the officer is acting within the scope of such officer's authority.
As a result of violence in the schools, it is a felony if a person knowingly and unlawfully carries, brings or has in such person's possession a deadly weapon on the property or in any school building. The only exceptions are for necessary duties and functions of an employee of the school or participation in an authorized athletic team.
You can still possess a weapon at school as long as it is unloaded and remains inside the vehicle that is parked on school property. Of course, you can be in possession of a gun in your own dwelling or place of business or other property owned or under your control including a private vehicle so long as you are carrying the gun for lawful protection of person or property while traveling.
A concealed weapon may only be carried with a valid written permit issued by the appropriate legal authority.
Other provisions provide that certain guns are described as "dangerous weapons" and it is an offense if a person removes or alters a manufacturer's serial number or is in possession of a firearm where the serial number has been removed or altered.
The laws pertaining to firearms are complicated, confusing and provide for a wide range of punishment. If you are accused of any of these violations, please call Larry D. Combs before your court date so that we can immediately minimize the consequences.
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