Colorado’s red flag law allows a judge to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order, or ERPO, a civil court order that temporarily bars someone in crisis from possessing or purchasing firearms. Originally limited to family members, household members, and law enforcement, the list of who can petition for one expanded in 2023 to include educators, district attorneys, and health care and mental health providers.
How fast this actually moves
Once a petition is filed, a court must hold a hearing within one business day, and if the judge finds the evidence supports it, a temporary order can take effect immediately, requiring the person to surrender their firearms to law enforcement or sell or transfer them to a licensed dealer.
How long it lasts
A temporary ERPO generally lasts up to 14 days, after which a further hearing determines whether it should be extended, sometimes for as long as 364 days. Anyone subject to one also has to surrender any concealed carry permit they hold.
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.
