Colorado criminal charge
Ammunition sales in Colorado
Ammunition sales is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-12-117. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-12-117.
What is the penalty for ammunition sales in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to 100 usd (no statutory minimum) (Unlawful sale of ammunition - first offense — A retail ammunition vendor violates subsection (1) (e.g., improper display, sale to underage purchaser without exception) as a first offense.; civil matter, no jail; individual statutes may set a different fine) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 |
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (no statutory minimum) (Unlawful sale of ammunition - second or subsequent offense — A retail ammunition vendor commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection (1).) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to 1000 usd (no statutory minimum) (Unlawful sale of ammunition - second or subsequent offense — A retail ammunition vendor commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection (1).) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).
How is ammunition sales classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful sale of ammunition - first offense | civil infraction | A retail ammunition vendor violates subsection (1) (e.g., improper display, sale to underage purchaser without exception) as a first offense. | 18-12-117(1)(f) |
| Unlawful sale of ammunition - second or subsequent offense | class 1 misdemeanor | A retail ammunition vendor commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection (1). | 18-12-117(1)(f) |
Common questions about ammunition sales in Colorado
Is ammunition sales a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: ammunition sales ranges from a civil infraction to a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-12-117.
Unlawful sale of ammunition - first offense: civil infraction (C.R.S. § 18-12-117(1)(f)) · Unlawful sale of ammunition - second or subsequent offense: class 1 misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-12-117(1)(f))
What are the penalties for ammunition sales in Colorado?
Penalties for ammunition sales in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a civil infraction up to a class 1 misdemeanor — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 and C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers ammunition sales?
Ammunition sales is governed by C.R.S. § 18-12-117 (Ammunition sales - sales requirements - minimum purchase age - exceptions - ammunition delivery requirements - penalties - definitions - repeal).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.