A prohibited use of weapons charge in Castle Rock, Colorado can result from many different behaviors involving a firearm. Aiming your gun at someone, recklessly firing it, or having it on you while you’re drinking alcohol or smoking weed can be problematic. Law enforcement is quick to intervene if they feel a weapon is being used improperly or someone might be drunk with a gun. This charge also applies to unlawful actions with a bow and arrow, throwing star, nunchaku, and even traps and explosives. Connect with a defense attorney today if you’re facing a prohibited use of weapons charge in Douglas County.
Douglas County Prohibited Use of Weapons Law
Douglas County’s prohibited use of weapons law makes it unlawful to do several different things with specific weapons. CRS 18-12-106 provides the definition of this offense in Colorado’s many counties. You commit prohibited use of weapons in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch if you:
- knowingly and unlawfully aim a gun at someone,
- recklessly (or with criminal negligence) shoot a firearm or bow and arrow,
- knowingly set a loaded gun, trap, or explosive and leave without a competent individual present,
- have a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance,
- or knowingly aim, throw, or swing a nunchaku or throwing star at someone or possess one in public without a lawful purpose
Gun-related offenses like this require strategic representation from an experienced firearms attorney. At Sawyer Legal Group, LLC we support the Second Amendment and fight for our clients’ right to keep and bear arms.
What are the Penalties for Prohibited Use of Weapons in Douglas County?
Each prohibited use case is different. Therefore, the penalties aren’t always the same. As a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in:
- up to 1 year in county jail,
- a maximum fine of $1,000
In some cases, a skilled criminal lawyer can fight for probation instead of jail time. However, if a defendant has a prior conviction for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a defaced firearm, or prohibited weapon use within 5 years, prohibited use of weapons becomes a class 5 felony.
Firearms Defense Lawyer in Castle Rock
Just because you’ve been charged with prohibited use of weapons doesn’t mean you’re guilty. We have decades of combined experience in Colorado’s courtrooms representing clients facing weapon charges. Perhaps you didn’t know the gun was loaded, you didn’t have control of the weapon while drunk or high, or you had the right to fire where you were. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free consultation. We will look carefully look through your case, as well as suggest next steps in your defense. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make determined representation a reality in these uncertain times.
So, if you’re facing a prohibited use of weapons charge in Colorado, don’t panic. Contact the strategic criminal defense team at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950. Don’t talk to the police – talk to us.
Photo by Andrey Zvyagintsev