Facing a weapons charge in Larimer County can have serious, long-lasting consequences. Whether the allegation involves a firearm, knife, or other weapon, Colorado law imposes strict penalties, even if no one was hurt and the weapon was never used.
At O’Malley Law Office, our Larimer County criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, and Berthoud who are accused of unlawful gun possession, illegal discharge, and other weapons offenses. We understand how aggressive prosecutors can be in these cases, and we’re here to protect your rights, your record, and your freedom.
Common Weapons Crimes in Larimer County
Weapons-related charges in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. Title 18, Article 12, and cover a wide range of behavior involving the possession, use, or transfer of firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The most common charges in Larimer County include:
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (C.R.S. § 18-12-108)
- Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO) (C.R.S. § 18-12-108)
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon without a Valid Permit (C.R.S. § 18-12-105)
- Prohibited Use of Weapons, such as discharging a firearm while intoxicated (C.R.S. § 18-12-106)
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (C.R.S. § 18-12-107.5)
- Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon, such as a short shotgun or silencer (C.R.S. § 18-12-102)
- Unlawful Purchase or Transfer of a Firearm (C.R.S. § 18-12-111)
Many of these charges can be filed as a felony, depending on your prior record and the circumstances of the alleged offense.
Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO) Attorney in Fort Collins
One of the most common felony weapon charges in Fort Collins and Larimer County is Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO).
Under C.R.S. § 18-12-108, it is a felony for anyone previously convicted of a felony to knowingly possess or carry a firearm or prohibited weapon.
Penalties include:
- Class 5 felony: For most prior felonies, punishable by 1–3 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines
- Class 4 felony: For prior violent felonies, punishable by 2–6 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines
Even if the weapon was never used, mere possession can trigger a POWPO charge.
Loveland Unlawful Carrying or Concealment of a Weapon Lawyer
Colorado allows residents to own and carry firearms, but carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit can lead to criminal charges.
Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105, you may be charged if you:
- Carry a concealed handgun without a permit,
- Bring a firearm into a restricted area (such as a school, courthouse, or government building),
- Carry a gun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or
- Handle or display a weapon in a way that causes public alarm.
This offense is typically a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail and fines up to $750.
How is Prohibited Use of Weapons Charged in Estes Park?
Prohibited Use of Weapons (C.R.S. § 18-12-106) is a class 1 misdemeanor that can include:
- Discharging a firearm recklessly or while intoxicated,
- Aiming a gun at another person, even without firing,
- Leaving a loaded firearm unattended or unsecured, or
- Using a weapon in a manner that endangers others.
Convictions can result in up to 364 days in jail and $1,000 in fines, along with a permanent criminal record.
Attorney for Illegal Discharge of a Firearm Charges in Larimer County
The Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (C.R.S. § 18-12-107.5) is one of the more serious weapons charges under Colorado law.
This occurs when someone knowingly or recklessly fires a gun into an occupied structure, dwelling, or vehicle.
It is a Class 5 felony, punishable by:
- 1–3 years in prison,
- $1,000–$100,000 in fines, and
- A mandatory parole period after release.
Even if no one is injured, prosecutors in Larimer County — including the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office — treat these cases aggressively.
Weapons Enhancements in Other Colorado Criminal Cases
If a firearm or other weapon is used during another felony (like Assault, Robbery, or Drug Trafficking), the charge may include a sentence enhancer under Colorado’s laws.
This can lead to:
- Increased felony classifications,
- Mandatory prison sentences, and
- Permanent loss of firearm rights.
Even displaying a weapon can elevate an otherwise misdemeanor offense to a felony charge.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a Weapons crime, 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 Karola G