Can you legally set a booby trap to protect your home or property in Colorado? This is a common question—especially among homeowners concerned about crime or trespassing. The short and clear answer is no. Setting a harmful booby trap, especially one involving firearms or explosives, is illegal in Colorado and could lead to serious criminal charges, including second-degree murder.
Let’s break down what’s legal, what’s not, and what the law says.
What Is a Booby Trap?
A booby trap is any mechanical or electrical device set up to injure, kill, or disable a person who triggers it unknowingly. Traps that involve loaded firearms, explosives, or sharpened objects fall into this category.
Colorado law strictly prohibits these types of devices—even on your own property.
Illegal Booby Trap Example
Let’s say a homeowner rigs a loaded shotgun to the door of their shed, intending it to fire if someone tries to break in. If someone—whether a burglar or a firefighter—opens the door and is shot, the homeowner could be charged with assault, manslaughter, or second-degree murder depending on the outcome.
Under Colorado law, this type of device is clearly illegal.
Legal Security Measures You Can Use
While harmful traps are off-limits, non-lethal security measures are completely legal. For example:
- Alarm systems
- Motion-activated floodlights
- Cameras and surveillance systems
- Noise-making deterrents
- Signage (e.g., “24/7 Video Monitoring” or “Alarm Will Sound”)
These measures are legal and encouraged, as they help deter crime without causing bodily harm.
Example of a Legal Setup
A homeowner installs a motion sensor that turns on floodlights and sounds an alarm when someone walks near their garage. The system alerts the homeowner and may scare off an intruder—but it does not physically harm anyone.
This is 100% legal in Colorado and a smart way to boost security.
The Law: CRS § 18-12-106 – Prohibited Use of Weapons
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-106 clearly prohibit setting up deadly or injurious traps. Specifically:
- Subsection (1)(c): It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to “knowingly set a loaded gun, trap, or device designed to cause an explosion upon being tripped or approached.”
Additional prohibited actions under this statute include:
- Aiming a firearm at another person without legal justification (subsection 1(a))
- Recklessly discharging a firearm (subsection 1(b))
- Possessing a firearm while intoxicated (subsection 1(d))
There are also rules regarding exotic weapons like throwing stars and nunchaku under subsection (2).
Final Thoughts
Booby traps that can harm or kill are illegal in Colorado—even if they’re meant to protect your home. If you set up a harmful trap and someone is injured or killed, you could face criminal charges and civil liability.
Stick with legal, non-lethal security tools like alarms, cameras, and lights. These offer protection without violating Colorado law.
Related Resources
Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans in Colorado
Colorado Concealed Carry Classes – Get Trained Legally and Responsibly
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and individual circumstances vary, so consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. The information provided is based on Colorado law at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
