Colorado Springs Weapons’ and Gun Charge Lawyers

Colorado Springs Weapons’ and Gun Charge Lawyers

Faced with a weapons or firearms charge in Colorado Springs, the situation can be daunting, carrying potentially life-altering consequences affecting your liberty, reputation, and future. At Liberty Law Center, our skilled attorneys of weapons and firearms defense in Colorado Springs know the intricacies of Colorado firearms law and serve as tenacious, astute defense counsel to those charged with unlawful possession, concealed carry offenses, unauthorized use, and other firearms charges. Whether you're charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, we are keenly focused on defending your rights, poking holes in weak evidence, and advocating for you through the legal system with certainty.

Time is of the essence when you’re in a firearms or weapons charge situation. Prosecutors will act quickly to develop a case against you — but you don’t have to go at it alone. The sooner a qualified firearm defense lawyer is involved, the greater your opportunity to sidestep stiff penalties such as jail time, heavy fines, or the irreversible loss of your gun privileges. At Liberty Law Center, we act quickly to investigate your case, preserve evidence, and defend your future starting at the initial consultation. Don’t delay — the clock is ticking on your defense.

Understanding Weapon Charges in Colorado

Colorado's weapon laws are complex and strict, and a conviction can carry severe, long-term consequences. If you’ve been charged with a gun crime in Colorado Springs, understanding the nature of your charge is critical. These offenses range from simple unlawful possession to aggravated crimes involving firearms. At Liberty Law Center, our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive and strategic representation to fight these serious allegations.

Levels of Gun Charge Severity

Weapon charges in Colorado fall under various levels of severity based on the type of weapon, intent, and surrounding circumstances. Common classifications include:

• Misdemeanor Gun Offenses: Often involve unlawful carrying or possession without proper permits. For instance, carrying a concealed handgun without a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit could be a misdemeanor. 
• Felony Weapon Charges: Includes possession by a previous offender (POWPO), use of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and possession of illegal weapons like short shotguns or machine guns. Felony gun crimes often carry mandatory prison sentences. 

Being charged at any level requires an immediate and calculated legal defense. Liberty Law Center has decades of experience defending clients against both misdemeanor and felony gun charges across El Paso County and beyond.

Penalties for Weapons Related Crimes

The consequences for weapon-related offenses can be life-altering. Penalties may include:

• Fines: Up to $5,000 for misdemeanors and significantly more for felonies. 
• Incarceration: Ranging from a few months in county jail to years in Colorado state prison. 
• Loss of Firearm Rights: A conviction could permanently strip you of your right to own or carry firearms. 
• Criminal Record: Gun charges can remain on your record indefinitely, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing. 

At Liberty Law Center, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and advocate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing where appropriate.

Defense Strategies for Weapons and Firearm Charges

Each case is unique and demands a custom-tailored defense strategy. Here’s how we defend against weapon charges:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: Many cases hinge on how the weapon was discovered. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence may be suppressed. 
• Lack of Possession: We may argue that the firearm was not in your possession or control. 
• Permit Validity and Exceptions: Colorado law has various exceptions, especially for transport or use within a personal dwelling. 

Proving Self-Defense

If a weapon was used in self-defense, we may present evidence to establish your legal right to protect yourself or others under Colorado law. To prove self-defense, we examine:

• You reasonably believed you or someone else faced imminent harm or unlawful force. 
• The level of force used was proportionate to the threat. 
• You were not the initial aggressor in the confrontation. 
• No safer, reasonable alternative to using force was available. 

Groups Prohibited from Owning Firearms

Some individuals are legally barred from possessing firearms in Colorado, including:

• Convicted felons (especially those with prior violent crime convictions). 
• Individuals with active restraining or protection orders. 
• People convicted of domestic violence offenses. 
• Those adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed. 
• Undocumented immigrants or non-U.S. citizens without proper status. 

We review your eligibility under both state and federal firearm laws to determine if your possession charge can be challenged on constitutional or procedural grounds.

Prohibited Use of Weapons & Firearm Offenses in Colorado

In Colorado, several laws restrict how, when, and where firearms can be used. Violations of these laws can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with serious consequences including jail time, heavy fines, and loss of gun rights. Below is a breakdown of common prohibited weapons uses and the associated penalties.

1. Pointing a Firearm at Another Person

It’s a criminal offense in Colorado to intentionally or recklessly aim a gun at someone else, even if the firearm isn’t discharged.

• Classification:
  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor 
  • Repeat offense (within 5 years): Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine 
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and fines from $1,000 to $100,000 

2. Reckless or Careless Discharge of a Firearm or Bow

Discharging a firearm or even a bow and arrow in a reckless or criminally negligent manner can lead to criminal charges, especially if done in populated areas or near people.

• Classification:
  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor 
  • Repeat offense: Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine 
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 

3. Unattended Loaded Weapons or Explosives

Leaving a loaded firearm, trap, or explosive device unattended — particularly when set to discharge — is unlawful and considered highly dangerous.

• Classification:
  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor 
  • Repeat within 5 years: Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine 
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine 

4. Handling a Firearm While Intoxicated

Having physical control of a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in Colorado. It doesn’t matter whether the weapon was actually used or discharged.

• Classification:
  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor 
  • Second offense: Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine 
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 

5. Possession of Dangerous or Illegal Weapons

Certain weapons are outright banned in Colorado, and even possessing them can lead to criminal charges. Examples include machine guns, short-barreled rifles or shotguns, and ballistic knives.

• Classification:
  • Dangerous weapons: Class 5 felony 
  • Illegal weapons (like brass knuckles or silencers): Class 1 misdemeanor 
• Penalties:
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine 
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine 

6. Firearm Possession by a Convicted Felon

Known as POWPO (Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender), this law prohibits those with certain felony convictions from owning or controlling a firearm.

• Classification:
  • Typically a Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • 1 to 3 years in prison 
  • Up to $100,000 in fines 

7. Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit

Carrying a concealed handgun in Colorado requires a valid concealed carry permit. Doing so without one — even if you legally own the firearm — is a criminal offense.

• Classification:
  • First offense: Class 2 misdemeanor 
  • Second offense: Class 5 felony 
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 120 days in jail and/or a fine up to $750 
  • Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 

8. Possession of a Firearm with Altered Serial Number

Owning or possessing a gun with a defaced or removed serial number — even if you didn’t alter it yourself — is a criminal act in Colorado.

• Classification:
  • Class 1 misdemeanor 
• Penalties:
  • Up to 364 days in jail 
  • Fine up to $1,000 

Why Choose Liberty Law Center for Your Weapons Charges?

At Liberty Law Center, we know that facing a weapons or firearm charge in Colorado Springs can turn your life upside down. Law enforcement and prosecutors move fast — and their goal is a conviction. Our mission is to stand between you and that outcome with a strong, strategic defense.

✅ We Defend Against All Firearm & Weapons Charges — Misdemeanor or Felony

✅ We Fight to Protect Your Gun Rights and Keep You Out of Jail

✅ We Know Colorado Gun Laws Inside and Out

✅ You Don’t Pay Unless We Win Your Case – No Upfront Fees

Contact Liberty Law Center Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a weapons offense in Colorado Springs, don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and every moment matters.

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At Liberty Law Center, we fight for your freedom — because your rights, your record, and your reputation are worth defending.