Understand what counts as a deadly weapon in Denver, Colorado, and read about some examples of deadly weapons to know what you can and cannot possess.
Deadly Weapons in Denver, CO
It can sometimes be difficult to tell what counts as a deadly weapon in Denver, CO. While some are illegal, you can have other weapons for various reasons, such as defense. It’s essential to learn what the state of Colorado considers a deadly weapon so you don’t get charged for carrying an illegal object.
Many people may think of a deadly weapon as a gun, but many other items and devices are dangerous and may be considered illegal. If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing a deadly weapon, contact a criminal defense lawyer from Chaput Law. We’ll offer you support and guidance while fighting for your rights in court.
Definition of a Deadly Weapon in Denver, CO
According to the Colorado Revised Statute 18-1-901, a “deadly weapon” is:
“…A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; or… [a] knife, bludgeon, or any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, that, in the manner, it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.”
Items that aren’t necessarily designed to be harmful can be considered deadly weapons if someone uses them as a weapon.
For example, if someone uses a brick to cause serious bodily harm to another person, the brick would be considered a deadly weapon.
Because of this statute, deadly weapons fall under two categories: “per se deadly weapons” and “objects and tools capable of serious injury or death.” Per se deadly weapons are items intended to harm or kill others, while objects and tools capable of severe injury or death are regular items that one can use to cause serious harm.
Examples of Deadly Weapons in Denver
Here are some examples of deadly weapons in Denver, CO:
- Handguns
- Long guns
- Machine guns
- Muzzleloaders
- Knives
- Swords
- Daggers
- Blackjacks
- Bows
- Nunchucks
- Explosives
While people could theoretically use almost any everyday items to cause serious harm, here are some common items that can be considered deadly weapons:
- Rocks
- Bricks
- Glass
- Pipes
- Ropes
- Cars
- Motorcycles
If you get charged for carrying or using a deadly weapon in Denver, a criminal defense attorney can help.
Dangerous Weapons Vs. Illegal Weapons
Colorado recognizes two categories of deadly weapons: dangerous and deadly.
Dangerous Weapons
If you possess these items, you can be charged with a felony.
Dangerous weapons include the following:
- Firearms with silencers
- Machine guns
- Short shotguns
- Short rifles
- Ballistic knives
Illegal Weapons
It’s a misdemeanor to carry illegal weapons, which include:
- Gas guns
- Blackjacks
- Switchblade knives
- Gravity knives
- Metallic knives
Penalties for Possessing Deadly Weapons
Some penalties for possessing deadly weapons in Colorado include:
- Possession of a dangerous weapon: Class 5 felony punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to $100,000
- Possession of an illegal weapon: Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by six to 18 months in prison or a fine up to $5,000
- Possession of a weapon by a previous offender: Class 6 felony punishable by one year to 18 months in prison or a fine up to $100,000
- The unlawful purchase of a firearm: Class 4 felony punishable by three to 12 months in prison
Gun Charges in Denver, CO
Residents of Denver are allowed to own firearms if they do so legally. However, people who legally obtain their firearms can still face gun charges for misusing their firearms.
Here are some standard gun charges in Colorado:
- Illegal discharge of a gun
- Illegal purchase of a gun
- Unlawfully carrying a hidden firearm
- Prohibited use of a firearm
- Possession of a defaced firearm
People Who Cannot Own a Weapon in Denver, CO
Colorado prohibits the following from owning, carrying, or using a weapon:
- People under the age of 21
- People charged with a felony
- Domestic abusers
- Nonresidents of Colorado
- People with active protection orders
- People who have been indicted
Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer
Denver, Colorado, has many rules and regulations concerning owning and using deadly weapons. Deadly weapons laws are intended to protect the general public from those who misuse weapons or from those who intentionally cause harm with these items.
However, if you’re unaware of these laws, you could be charged with carrying a deadly weapon without knowing that you were committing a crime. To avoid getting in trouble with the law for carrying a deadly weapon, you should know what constitutes a dangerous, deadly, or illegal weapon. Understanding the rules can help you avoid legal trouble, such as imprisonment, fines, and criminal records.
At Chaput Law, we’re here to help those convicted of carrying a deadly weapon. Our criminal defense lawyers will give you legal guidance and help protect your rights as a citizen of Colorado. If you or someone you know has been charged with carrying or using a deadly weapon, contact a lawyer at Chaput Law and schedule your free consultation today.
