Colorado allows lawful firearm ownership for most adults but layers on a set of specific restrictions: a felony conviction bars possession outright, certain domestic violence convictions trigger a federal firearms ban, and the state’s extreme risk protection order (red flag) law allows a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone found to pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
Carrying a firearm
Open carry is broadly allowed with some local restrictions, while concealed carry requires a permit issued by your county sheriff, Colorado is a shall-issue state, meaning a permit generally must be issued to anyone who meets the legal requirements.
Where most legal trouble actually happens
The overwhelming majority of Colorado gun-related criminal cases aren’t about lawful ownership at all, they involve someone who’s legally prohibited from possessing a firearm in the first place, due to a felony record, an active protection order, or a similar disqualifier, being found with one anyway.
What to do next
If you’re facing this in Colorado, call Mile High Legal at (720) 853-5779 for a free consultation. The earlier a defense attorney gets involved, the more options are usually still on the table.
