In Fort Collins and throughout Colorado, you can be charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon if you knowingly carry a concealed weapon without lawful authority. Circumstances in which you can legally carry a concealed weapon in public are limited in Colorado. Generally, you can only carry a concealed weapon if you have a valid concealed handgun permit / CHP. Carrying a firearm or knife on your person without a permit will result in criminal charges. Below, our top criminal defense lawyers explain Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon charges:
1. Definition of Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon at the Larimer County Courts
At the Larimer County Courts, the definition of Unlawful Possession of a Concealed Weapon, C.R.S. 18-12-105, is:
(a) Carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person; or
(b) Carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person; or
(c) Without legal authority, carries, brings, or has in such person’s possession a firearm or any explosive, incendiary, or other dangerous device on the property of or within any building in which the chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or either house thereof, are located, or in which a legislative hearing or meeting is being or is to be conducted, or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located.
Under this statute, it is a crime to knowingly carry a concealed gun without a concealed carry permit. C.R.S. 18-12-105 also makes it a crime to carry a concealed knife or bring a weapon to the State Capitol.
2. When Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Fort Collins?
If it is a crime to carry a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit, it is essential to understand when you can legally do so in Fort Collins. You are able to carry a concealed weapon on your person in the following circumstances:
- You have a concealed handgun permit / CHP, allowing you to legally carry a gun concealed on your person when you’re out in public.
- You are in your home, car, or other property that you own, and have a gun or knife with you for “lawful protection.” In other words, the weapon is there in case you need to use it for self-defense.
- You have a knife on your person for hunting or fishing. Under C.R.S. 18-12-101, a “knife” is “any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length.” However, this definition does not include a knife used for hunting or fishing.
3. Penalties for Unlawfully Carrying in Loveland and Estes Park
If you have been accused of Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Loveland or Estes Park, you will be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. After completion of your sentence, you will then face other far-reaching consequences – including difficulty finding a job. An experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential to mitigating these penalties so that you can live in freedom. Don’t wait, and contact us today.
Have you been charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon? First, exercise your right to remain silent. Then call 970-658-0007 to get in contact with one of our top criminal defense lawyers and discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov