Colorado state law allows individuals aged 18 and over to own or possess legal firearms and ammunition, unless prohibited from doing so. This article provides an overview of the laws on the purchase, possession and carrying of firearms in Central Colorado. Before a gun dealer transfers or attempts to transfer a firearm at a gun show, they must require that a criminal background check, in accordance with the national instant criminal background check system, be performed on the potential transferee and that they obtain approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation through an authorized arms dealer. A permit to carry a handgun or concealed weapon issued to a person twenty-one years of age or older by a state that recognizes the validity of permits issued under Colorado law will be valid in Colorado in the same respects as Colorado permits. Certain individuals are exempt from this requirement, including probation officers, law enforcement officers employed by a jurisdiction outside the state, provided that the employing jurisdiction exempts police officers employed by Colorado jurisdictions from any concealed weapons laws in effect in those jurisdictions; as well as a retired police officer who meets the prescribed criteria.
It is illegal to carry or possess a firearm without legal authorization on the property or inside any building where the chambers, galleries or offices of the general assembly are located, or where a legislative hearing or meeting is being held, or where the official offices of any member, official or employee of the general assembly are located. To find the specific law, visit this site, go to Colorado Statutes and enter the legal citation, such as 18-12-101. Knowing Colorado gun laws can be complicated, especially when states and the federal government have separate and sometimes overlapping statutes. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law prohibiting carrying a firearm outdoors in a specific building or area, they will place signs at public entrances to the building or specific area to inform people that carrying firearms outdoors in the specific building or area is prohibited. When they cross paths, federal law always wins, so Colorado gun owners are also subject to the Brady Firearm Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act. It is important for gun owners to be familiar with both laws. A Colorado resident who otherwise qualifies may purchase or receive a rifle or shotgun in a state adjacent to Colorado, provided that the sale fully complies with the legal terms of sale in both states and the buyer and seller have complied with federal law applicable to interstate transactions. The possession of a machine gun is illegal, but it constitutes an affirmative defense against a charge of possession if the accused person was a law enforcement officer or a member of the armed forces acting in the legal performance of their duties, or if they have a valid permit and license for the possession of a machine gun.
If the permit holder is not in the vehicle, then the gun must be in a compartment of the vehicle and the vehicle must be locked. The best way to stay on top of current gun laws and protect yourself if you end up facing charges is to contact a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney. Firearm laws in Colorado regulate the sale, possession and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of Colorado in accordance with both state and federal regulations. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that pre-existing bans in Denver could remain in effect even though the Colorado legislature enacted a state preference law designed to establish uniform firearms policies across all states. Local governments may not enact any ordinance, regulation, or other law prohibiting the sale, purchase, or possession of a firearm that an individual may lawfully sell, purchase, or possess under state or federal law. However, local governments may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law prohibiting carrying a firearm uncovered in a specific building or area within its jurisdiction.
