Every state has its own laws that govern the purchase, possession, and use of firearms. Some of these laws outline where people in Colorado are allowed to legally carry a gun. If you own a firearm, it’s important to become familiar with these laws in order to avoid criminal charges. Here are some of the places where you can and cannot legally carry a gun in Colorado:
Concealed Carry Laws
Colorado has both open carry and concealed carry laws. Anyone who would like to carry a firearm in public in a concealed manner must have a concealed carry permit. A concealed carry permit allows firearm owners to carry concealed guns in most public places, however there are some exceptions. Even with a permit, firearm owners are not allowed to bring their guns to any public or private school. This includes all types of educational institutions such as colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools.
Federal law also prohibits firearm owners with concealed carry permits from bringing their weapons to places such as police stations, jails, and courthouses.
Open Carry Laws
Since Colorado permits the open carry of guns, people without concealed carry permits are still allowed to carry their firearms to certain places as long as the firearm is in plain view. These firearm owners can legally carry a gun within their homes, businesses, or hotel rooms. Firearm owners also do not need a permit to legally carry their gun in their car as long as the firearm is being used for protection.
However, the law prohibits people without permits from carrying their guns on public transportation such as buses and trains, on public or private school grounds, and anywhere else not mentioned above.
It’s important to note that the city of Denver has banned open carry, even though the state of Colorado allows it. This means people cannot openly carry their weapons while in Denver. If you want to carry a weapon in public in Denver, you will need to obtain a concealed carry permit and keep the weapon concealed.
If you own a firearm, be sure to remember the rules regarding where open and concealed carry. Anyone who violates one of these laws by carrying a gun where it is not allowed can face serious criminal penalties.
Have you been charged with a weapons crime? If so, let the criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm help. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and reach the best possible outcome in your case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
