One of the reasons Prohibited Use of a Weapon is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person recklessly shoots a gun. This is what recently occurred in Colorado when a hiker was grazed by a bullet fragment. According to the report, the hiker was walking back to his car when his arm was grazed by a loose bullet. After investigating, a man was charged with multiple crimes including Prohibited Use of Weapons. The man had been shooting at a sign on the side of the road and a piece of a bullet hit the hiker’s arm. While shooting is allowed in the area, there are specific rules as to where and how a person can be shooting, and apparently shooting at a sign near the road is not allowed. Not only is the man charged with the weapons offense, he is also facing charges for Assault and Criminal Mischief.
Larimer County Prohibited Use of a Weapon Lawyer: Definition of Prohibited Use of Weapons in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Prohibited Use of Weapons – C.R.S. 18-12-106 – is:
(a) He knowingly and unlawfully aims a firearm at another person; or
(b) Recklessly or with criminal negligence he discharges a firearm or shoots a bow and arrow; or
(c) He knowingly sets a loaded gun, trap, or device designed to cause an explosion upon being tripped or approached, and leaves it unattended by a competent person immediately present; or
(d) The person has in his or her possession a firearm while the person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5). Possession of a permit issued under section 18-12-105.1, as it existed prior to its repeal, or possession of a permit or a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to part 2 of this article is no defense to a violation of this subsection (1).
It’s likely the man was charged for acting recklessly – without regard for the dangers of shooting the gun where he was.
Sentence for Loose Bullet Prohibited Use of a Weapon in Loveland and Estes Park
Previously, in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, this crime was a class 2 misdemeanor, but the recent change in the law made it a class 1 misdemeanor. This class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Prohibited Use of a Weapon, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska