Colorado’s gun laws have seen significant changes in recent years—and if you own, carry, or live in a home with firearms, those changes could affect you more than you think.
At Wolf Law, we regularly represent people charged with gun-related offenses in Colorado, including those who had no idea they were breaking the law. Whether it’s due to new legislation, unclear language, or a stressful situation that escalated fast, gun charges often come with serious consequences.
If you’re trying to make sense of Colorado’s current firearm laws—or you’re facing criminal charges tied to a gun—here’s what you need to know.
Colorado’s Gun Law Landscape Is Changing Fast
Over the last several years, Colorado lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at tightening access to firearms, particularly in the context of domestic violence, mental health concerns, and public safety.
Some of the most notable recent changes include:
1. Expanded Red Flag Laws
Colorado’s “Extreme Risk Protection Order” law allows law enforcement—and now more family and community members—to ask a judge to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others.
This expansion means you could lose access to your guns without being charged with a crime, based on someone else’s sworn petition.
2. Minimum Age to Purchase
Colorado now prohibits the purchase of firearms by anyone under age 21, even if the weapon is a rifle or shotgun. This is stricter than federal law and has caught many first-time gun owners off guard.
3. Waiting Period Requirements
In 2023, Colorado passed a mandatory three-day waiting period between purchasing a firearm and taking it home. Violating this is a criminal offense.
4. Liability for Gun Storage
If a firearm is not properly stored and secured, and a minor gains access to it, the gun owner can face criminal charges—even if no one was hurt.
What These Laws Mean for Colorado Gun Owners
The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to be a career criminal to face serious gun charges in Colorado. In fact, many of our clients are otherwise law-abiding citizens who made a mistake under stress or didn’t know the law had changed.
Some common scenarios we see:
- Domestic disputes where a firearm is present: Even if no weapon was used, police may seize guns, and charges like harassment or assault can trigger restrictions on future ownership.
- Guns and protection orders: If you’re served with a restraining order, you may be legally required to surrender your firearms—even before any criminal trial.
- Carrying in a restricted area: Taking a firearm into a school, courthouse, or government building (even accidentally) can lead to arrest.
- Purchasing a gun without knowing the age or waiting period laws: Ignorance is not a defense in court.
Gun Charges Can Escalate Quickly
Gun-related offenses in Colorado can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Some examples:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm (e.g., by a prohibited person) – Class 6 felony
- Illegal discharge of a firearm – Class 5 felony
- Possession of a firearm in connection with another crime – can enhance sentencing
- Failure to comply with a red flag order – Misdemeanor or contempt of court
Even a single misstep can lead to:
- Jail or prison time
- Heavy fines
- Loss of your right to own firearms
- A permanent criminal record
Defending Gun Charges in Colorado
The truth is, gun charges are highly defensible—but only if you act quickly and have an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At Wolf Law, we examine every detail of your case to build a smart, aggressive defense. That includes:
- Challenging unlawful searches or seizures of firearms
- Questioning the legality of red flag petitions or protection orders
- Investigating whether the firearm was even in your control
- Highlighting constitutional concerns when state law overreaches
We also bring insight from Jeff Wolf’s work as a national legal analyst, featured on Court TV and Law & Crime, to stay ahead of prosecutorial trends and courtroom strategies both from within the State of Colorado and nationally.
Accused of a Gun Crime in Colorado? Don’t Wait.
If you’ve been charged—or even just questioned—about a gun-related offense in Colorado, the stakes are too high to go it alone.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can destroy your gun rights. A felony can take away your freedom.
Call Wolf Law today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your side, explain your rights, and start working on a defense strategy immediately. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or made a split-second decision under pressure, we’re here to help.
