Prohibited Use of Weapons, C.R.S. 18-12-106, is charged for a multitude of different acts related to recklessly handling a firearm or other type of weapon in Fort Collins, CO. Our top gun crimes lawyers usually see this offense charged when a person has a gun in their possession while they’re drinking alcohol. It’s not uncommon to go out drinking, only to forget that your concealed carry weapon is holstered to your belt. But just having that gun there is enough to be charged, even if you don’t do anything with the gun. If you’ve been charged with Prohibited Use of Weapons, act now to protect your future, and call our top Larimer County Prohibited Use lawyers today.
|
Blog Navigation: Colorado’s Law on Prohibited Use of Weapons, C.R.S. 18-12-106 What is “Possession” in Fort Collins? Larimer County Jail Time for Prohibited Use in Loveland and Estes Park |
Colorado’s Law on Prohibited Use of Weapons, C.R.S. 18-12-106
Colorado’s law on Prohibited Use of Weapons, C.R.S. 18-12-106, as it relates to possession of a firearm while consuming alcohol, is as follows:
(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).
Notice that it is a crime to merely have a gun in your possession while you are drinking alcohol, smoking pot, or consuming another illicit substance. This charge becomes increasingly common as the weather warms up and people start drinking more alcohol.
What is “Possession” in Fort Collins?
In Fort Collins, “possession” refers to exercising control over a firearm. In the context of Prohibited Use of Weapons, this usually means having the gun on your person while you’re consuming alcohol. For instance, a person who gets pulled over on suspicion for DUI lets the Fort Collins Police know that he has a gun in his glove compartment. He’s trying to keep everyone safe during the traffic stop, but the Fort Collins Police charge him with both Driving Under the Influence and Prohibited Use of Weapons.
Alternatively, you could be charged for being out at a bar in downtown Fort Collins, where someone happens to see your concealed carry weapon holstered to your belt. Remember: you can be charged just for having the gun on your person while having a beer. That’s all it takes in Colorado.
Larimer County Jail Time for Prohibited Use in Loveland and Estes Park
Prohibited Use is a class 1 misdemeanor in Loveland and Estes Park, punishable by up to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail and a fine of up to $1,000. You could also lose your concealed carry permit, and you will also have a criminal record that could affect your employability, relationships, and ability to find housing.
If you have been charged with Prohibited Use, the best thing you can do is contact a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience handling weapons-related crimes. We have seen how even misdemeanor firearm offenses can drastically change the course of a person’s life. For that reason, it is our top priority to help you protect your future by representing you at the Larimer County Courts. Don’t wait, and give us a call today.
If you’ve been charged with Prohibited Use of Weapons, remember to be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then call (970) 658-0007 to discuss your case with one of our top Larimer County firearm crimes lawyers today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Justice Center is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko