Rio Blanco County Gun and Weapons Charges Lawyer
Dive into Colorado weapons charge categories by severity and incident. A Rio Blanco County gun and weapons charges defense lawyer provides expert help!
In Colorado, weapons charges are categorized based on the severity of the offense, the type of weapon involved, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Understanding these categories and their associated penalties is critical, especially if you face weapons charges in Rio Blanco County, where a Rio Blanco County gun and weapons charges defense lawyer can help, or elsewhere in Colorado.
Rio Blanco County Gun and Weapons Charges Guide
How The Brown Law Firm Can Help
When you’re facing weapons charges in Rio Blanco County, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will:
- Thoroughly Investigate Your Case: We’ll examine the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you.
- Identify Constitutional Violations: We’ll determine if law enforcement violated your rights during search, seizure, or arrest.
- Develop a Strategic Defense: We’ll create a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation and charges.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: When appropriate, we’ll work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
- Provide Aggressive Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, we’ll fight vigorously for your rights and freedom.
Where You Can Find Us
The Brown Law Firm is conveniently located in Steamboat Springs, CO. Our address is 100 Park Avenue, Suite 202, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.
About Rio Blanco County
Rio Blanco County, located in northwestern Colorado, is known for its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and strong connection to outdoor sports and activities, including hunting. With Meeker as the county seat and Rangely as another major community, Rio Blanco County covers over 3,200 square miles of diverse terrain.
With a strong hunting culture and many residents who value their Second Amendment rights, gun ownership is common in Rio Blanco County.
Felony Weapons Charges in Colorado
Felony weapons charges carry the harshest penalties in Colorado’s criminal justice system. These charges lead to long sentences, hefty fines, and lifelong difficulties.
| Offense Category | Description | Classification | Potential Penalties |
| Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO) | Possession of a firearm or other weapon by someone with certain prior felony convictions | Class 5 or 6 Felony |
|
| Possession of Dangerous or Illegal Weapons | Possession of prohibited weapons such as machine guns, short shotguns, silencers, etc. | Class 5 Felony | 1-3 years in prison, $1,000-$100,000 fine |
| Possessing a Defaced Firearm | Taking possession of a gun whose serial number was removed or changed | Class 6 Felony | 12-18 months in prison, $1,000-$100,000 fine |
| Illegal Discharge of a Firearm | Recklessly or knowingly discharging a firearm into a dwelling or occupied building | Class 5 Felony | 1-3 years in prison, $1,000-$100,000 fine |
| Possession of Weapons on School Grounds | Carrying, bringing, or possessing a deadly weapon on school grounds | Class 6 Felony | 12-18 months in prison, $1,000-$100,000 fine |
| Unlawful Purchase of Firearms | Knowingly buying or getting a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person | Class 4 Felony | 2-6 years in prison, $2,000-$500,000 fine |
Misdemeanor Weapons Charges in Colorado
While misdemeanor weapons charges are less severe than felonies, they still carry significant penalties such as 3-12 months in jail, and $250-$1,000 in fines. They
can also still affect your future in numerous ways.
Sentence Enhancements for Weapons Charges
In Colorado, certain factors can significantly increase the penalties for weapons charges. These sentence enhancements can transform what might have been a relatively minor offense into a much more serious case. These can be:
- Crimes of Violence
- Repeat Offenders
- Special Offender (drug cases)
- Potential for Federal Charges if Applicable
Collateral Consequences of Weapons Convictions
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, weapons convictions can affect various parts of your life.
- Loss of Firearm Rights: Felony convictions permanently end the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law.
- Employment Limitations: Many employers hesitate to hire individuals with weapons convictions, particularly for positions requiring trust or security clearances.
- Housing Restrictions: Many landlords and property management companies conduct background checks and may deny housing to those with weapons convictions.
- Educational Impacts: Weapons convictions can affect eligibility for specific academic programs and financial aid.
- Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, weapons convictions can lead to deportation, denial of citizenship, or inability to re-enter the United States.
- Professional Licensing: Many professional licenses can be denied or revoked based on weapons convictions.
- Public Stigma: Weapons convictions can carry significant social stigma that impacts personal and professional relationships.
Recent Legal Changes
Colorado’s gun laws have undergone notable changes in recent years, with new regulations around magazine capacity, universal background checks, red flag laws, and ghost guns. That’s why you should always work with a Rio Blanco County Gun and Weapons Charges lawyer who stays current on all legislative changes and court decisions affecting weapons cases.
Colorado Gun Laws, You Should Know
Colorado’s firearms laws have undergone significant changes in recent years. Some key regulations include:
Magazine Capacity Limits: Colorado prohibits selling, transferring, or possessing magazines that hold over 15 rounds.
Universal Background Checks: Private gun sales and transfers require background checks conducted through licensed dealers.
Concealed Carry Permits: These documents are required for concealed carry within specific locations where carrying remains prohibited.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Law): This law (ERPO) allows courts to remove firearms from individuals temporarily deemed a risk to themselves or others.
Enhanced Penalties: Using a firearm while committing another crime can significantly increase penalties.
Potential Defenses to Weapons Charges
Your gun and weapon charges defense attorney from The Brown Law Firm will use various defense strategies for weapons charges, including:
- Fourth Amendment Violations: Challenging illegal searches and seizures that may have led to the discovery of weapons.
- Second Amendment Rights: Constitutional challenges to certain weapons prohibitions.
- Lack of Knowledge: Arguing that you were unaware of the weapon’s presence or illegal status.
- Self-Defense: Demonstrating that possession or use of a weapon was necessary for protection.
- Statutory Exemptions: This defense identifies applicable exemptions under Colorado law for specific charges.
- Constructive Possession Issues: Challenging whether you possessed the weapon in question.
- Technical Defenses: Identifying issues with how the weapon is classified under the law.
Time is Critical – Call the Brown Law Firm Now
When facing weapons charges in Colorado, immediate action is essential. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and critical legal deadlines can pass. Contact a Rio Blanco County gun and weapons charges attorney at The Brown Law Firm today at (970) 871-7400 to begin building your defense.
