Weapons and firearms are a necessary part of our society. Without them, good people are unable to protect themselves from violence. Also, firearms are used for sporting purposes – hunting is a favorite pastime in Weld, Morgan and Logan County. Guns can also be dangerous to others, however, if they aren’t used carefully or properly. Because of this, there are laws and regulations regarding the use of weapons in Greeley, Fort Lupton, and Johnstown.
Prohibited Use of a Weapon
Recently in Colorado, a young man was handling his new handgun when he accidentally shot the weapon. Unfortunately, it was aiming at his hand. The bullet passed through his hand and struck a nearby friend in the arm and side. Although no one suffered serious bodily injury, the man is now facing charges of Prohibited Use of a Weapon – C.R.S. 18-12-106 (b). You will be charged with this offense if you discharge a firearm recklessly or with criminal negligence (this includes a bow and arrow). Prohibited Use of a Weapon is a class 2 misdemeanor. The young man now faces up to a year in county jail.
Prohibited Use of a Weapon: Possessing a Firearm While Intoxicated
It is also a crime to handle a weapon while you are intoxicated (C.R.S. 18-12-106 (d). You will be charged with prohibited use of a weapon if you have a firearm in your possession while you are intoxicated. There is great debate about what “in your possession” means exactly. So far, we haven’t seen anyone arrested for drinking alcohol while their gun was locked up in the other room. But, the line is very fine. This offense is a class 2 misdemeanor; less serious than the Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, but you could end up in the Weld County Jail for up to 1 year.
Our government is loath to grant people their gun rights. If you have been arrested by a Weld, Morgan or Logan County Sheriff Deputy for a firearm related crime such as Prohibited Use of a Weapon, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced firearms defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Naypong