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Colorado statute

C.R.S. § 18-12-102 — Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon - affirmative defense - definition.

Current through 2025 Regular Session

Part of Part 1: FIREARMS AND WEAPONS - GENERAL, Colorado Revised Statutes.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of C.R.S. § 18-12-102

Statutory text current through the 2025 Regular Session. This is an officially sanctioned publication using the official text of the Colorado Revised Statutes; it is not the official statutes of the State of Colorado.

C.R.S. § 18-12-102Primary source, current through the 2025 Regular Session
(1) As used in this section, the term "dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun, rapid-fire device, short shotgun, or short rifle. (2) As used in this section, the term "illegal weapon" means a blackjack, gas gun, ballistic knife, or metallic knuckles. (3) A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony. (4) A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a class 1 misdemeanor. (5) It shall be an affirmative defense to the charge of possessing a dangerous weapon, or to the charge of possessing an illegal weapon, that the person so accused was a peace officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or Colorado National Guard acting in the lawful discharge of his duties, or that said person has a valid permit and license for possession of such weapon.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?

It depends on the circumstances: possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-12-102.

Possessing a dangerous weapon: class 5 felony (C.R.S. § 18-12-102(3)) · Possessing an illegal weapon: class 1 misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-12-102(4))

Which Colorado statute covers possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon?

Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon is governed by C.R.S. § 18-12-102 (Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon - affirmative defense - definition).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.