Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5, is a juvenile weapons crime charged in Fort Collins and throughout Colorado whenever a person under 18 possesses a handgun. Important to recognize is that there is a difference between “possession” and “use” of a pistol or other kind of handgun in Larimer County. Teens and juveniles may legally use handguns in certain contexts – it’s possession that is illegal in Colorado. If your child has been charged with Juvenile Possession of a Handgun, it is imperative that you act now to help them protect their future. Give our top criminal defense lawyers a call today to discuss your child’s case today.
Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5 at the Larimer County Courts
As recognized by the Larimer County Courts, Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5, is:
What’s The Difference Between Possession and Use of a Handgun in Fort Collins, CO?
There is a difference between juveniles possessing and using handguns in Fort Collins, CO. Under Colorado law, it is legal to allow a teen or other juvenile to use a pistol or other handgun to engage in an activity like target practice at an established firearm range or participating in a shooting competition. It’s the actual act of possession that is illegal.
In Colorado, “possession” refers to having control over something – in this context, a handgun. A teen or minor could be in possession of a handgun by having it on their person. For example, bringing a pistol to school would result in being charged with both Possession of Handguns by Juveniles and Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon on School Grounds, C.R.S. 18-12-105.5.
“Possession” can also refer to having control over the weapon. For example, if a teen has access to a pistol at home, this would be considered possession. The parents who allowed the teen access to the gun could also be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701.
Penalties for Juvenile Possession of a Handgun in Loveland and Estes Park
In Loveland and Estes Park, a juvenile’s first Possession of a Handgun offense is charged as a class 2 misdemeanor. However, the second or subsequent offense is instead charged as a class 5 felony. Adjudication at the Larimer County Courts can result in the following penalties:
- Detention at the Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley or probation
- Classes on making better choices / decision-making
- Paying for and undergoing a mental health evaluation + mental health treatment
- Fines
These penalties can escalate if the juvenile is also charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon on School Grounds.
Call the Top Larimer County Juvenile Crimes Lawyers Today
Has your child been charged with Possession of Handguns by Juveniles? If so, now’s the time to act quickly and protect their future by calling the top Larimer County juvenile crimes lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today. Because the Larimer County Courts and other courts in Colorado are concerned with the risk of school shootings and other violent crimes, they won’t take your child’s weapon charges lightly. Detention at Platte Valley is a real possibility if your child is adjudicated of this offense.
Our criminal defense attorneys with over 30 years of experience representing juveniles charged with weapons offenses can represent your child and ensure the best possible outcome. At such a pivotal time in your child’s life, you cannot afford to take any chances with their case. Don’t wait, and call us today to discuss your child’s case and help protect their future.
Has your child been charged with Possession of Handguns by Juveniles? Help them to be smart, and exercise their right to stay silent. Do not allow them to talk to the Fort Collins Police or Larimer County Sheriff without a lawyer present. Then call (970) 658-0007 to discuss your child’s case with one of our top criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your child’s future.
The location for the Larimer County Justice Center is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Karolina Grabowska