Accidentally shooting a gun in Fort Collins and Larimer County, can still result in criminal charges like Prohibited Use of Weapons and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm. A father could be facing one of these charges after his party trick went very wrong. According to the report, the dad has been showing off his gun and spinning it on his finger when the gun went off. The father was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. While the article does not discuss any criminal charges, if this had occurred in Northern Colorado, the man could very likely have been charged with a firearm crime.
Larimer County Prohibited Use of Weapons Attorney: Definition of Prohibited Use of a Weapon
The Larimer and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Prohibited Use of Weapons – C.R.S. 18-12-106(1)(b) – is:
(b) Recklessly or with criminal negligence he discharges a firearm or shoots a bow and arrow;
It could be argued that the father was acting recklessly when he was spinning the loaded gun on his finger. This class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by 3 to 12 months in the Larimer County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Illegal Discharge of a Firearm in Fort Collins: Definition of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm – C.R.S. 18-12-107.5 – is:
Illegal Discharge of a Firearm is a class 5 felony, which is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. The reason this crime could be charged is because the man shot off the gun inside the home. Unfortunately, shooting himself is likely not punishment enough, and the government will get involved to further punish the man.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Illegal Discharge of a Firearm or Prohibited Use of Weapons, 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 your free consultation today. Together, we can protect your future.
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