Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Colorado

In Colorado, the laws regarding carrying a concealed weapon vary depending on whether you have a valid concealed handgun permit (CHP) or not. Here are some key points about carrying a concealed weapon in Colorado:

It is legal for residents and non-residents to carry a concealed handgun with a valid permits.
With a valid concealed carry permit, individuals can carry a concealed handgun in most public places.
To get a CHP, you must be 21 years old, take a handgun training course, pass a background check, and apply through your county sheriff’s office.
Without a CHP, it is generally illegal to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado, with some exceptions like in your private vehicle or place of business.
Open carry of firearms is legal in most public places in Colorado for those over 21, except in locations like schools where it is prohibited. Most places in the Denver Metro region are illegal for open carry.
Individual cities and counties may have additional restrictions on where concealed/open carry is prohibited, such as in municipal buildings. These laws are about to change for the entire state making it illegal through out the state.
There are enhanced penalties for carrying a concealed weapon illegally on school campuses and certain other locations.
Concealed carry is generally prohibited in federal facilities, K-12 schools, and all private schools and daycare, and buildings with permanent security screening.
Colorado is a “shall issue” state, meaning county sheriffs must issue a permit if statutory criteria are met.

The laws get quite nuanced, so it’s advisable to thoroughly review the statutes and consult a lawyer about your specific situation before carrying a concealed weapon in Colorado, especially without a permit. Proper licensing, training, and following all applicable laws is crucial when carrying firearms in public.

The specifics of eligibility requirements, restricted areas, reciprocity with other states’ permits, and other details can get fairly nuanced. I’d recommend checking the Handgunlaw.us website for the latest regulations if interested in obtaining a concealed handgun permit or carrying in Colorado. Let me know if you need any other details!

It’s important to review the full laws and regulations, as there are nuances and exceptions. Proper training, obtaining a permit if desired, and complying with all applicable laws is crucial for legal concealed carry in Colorado. Penalties for unlawful concealed carry can include fines and potential jail time.

There are a few main reasons why someone in Colorado might obtain a concealed handgun permit:

Self-defense – Many people seek concealed carry permits so they can legally carry a concealed handgun for personal protection and self-defense purposes.
Protection while working – Certain professions like private security, transporting valuables, or working in remote areas may want to carry concealed for protection on the job.
Recreational purposes – Some outdoor enthusiasts want the option to carry concealed while hiking, camping, hunting or taking part in other recreational activities.
General exercise of rights – Some view obtaining the permit as simply exercising their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.
Reciprocity with other states – Colorado’s concealed carry permit is recognized by over 34 other states, so having one allows carrying across state lines.
Guns as a hobby – Gun enthusiasts who enjoy activities like target shooting or collecting firearms may want a permit to be able to legally carry their handguns concealed when transporting them.
Convenience – Having a permit allows legally owning a handgun to be carried concealed versus having it stored somewhere else when leaving home

To legally obtain the permit in Colorado, one must pass a certified handgun training course, undergo a background check, and meet other eligibility requirements set by county sheriff’s offices that issue the permits. The process is aimed at ensuring responsible and law-abiding concealed carrying.

It’s important to note that Colorado requires permit applicants to pass a background check, take a training course (which might change under a new law), and meet other legal requirements before obtaining a concealed handgun permit. The specific reasons can vary from personal preferences to professional needs. You can contact me for the training required.

The permits have to be renewed periodically as well. Some people simply appreciate having the option even if they don’t always carry concealed.

Using a Gun in Self Defense in Colorado

In Colorado, the use of force, including deadly force with a firearm, can potentially be justified for self-defense under certain circumstances. However, the laws surrounding self-defense and the use of firearms are quite complex. Here are some key points about using a gun in self-defense in Colorado:

You can only use deadly force if you reasonably believe that you or another person are in imminent danger of being killed or suffering serious bodily injury.
You have a duty to try to avoid the danger if possible by safely retreating, unless you are in your home or a vehicle.
The force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. Deadly force is only permissible if non-deadly force would be inadequate.
Your belief in the need for self-defense must be objectively reasonable under the circumstances as they appeared to you at the time.
Colorado has a “Make My Day” law that provides additional legal protections for using deadly force against intruders in your home.
You cannot claim self-defense if you were the initial aggressor or if your apprehension of danger resulted from your own unlawful conduct.

The self-defense laws aim to balance protecting innocent life with limiting excessive force. The specific circumstances and evidence are crucial in any self-defense case involving a firearm in Colorado. It’s advisable to avoid confrontations if safely possible and use deadly force only as an absolute last resort when reasonably necessary.

Disclaimer: As always I must tell you that I am not an Attorney and that these matters I have talked about in this article have serious consequences. I give this information as educational material and not legal advice. You should get legal advice in the area where you live on matters such as these.

I recommend these books for all my students

Andrew Branca “The Law of Self Defense”

Massad Ayoob “Deadly Force – Understanding Your Right To Self Defense”