When you’re carrying a firearm, whether for personal protection or in a professional role, one of the most important legal distinctions to understand is the difference between use of force and use of deadly force.
Colorado law clearly separates the two, and knowing where the line is can mean the difference between a justified act of self-defense—and criminal charges.
🔹 Why It Matters
You’re allowed to use physical force in a wide range of situations. But the second you use deadly force, the legal bar goes way up. You must meet stricter conditions, and your actions will be scrutinized under a microscope.
This is where many otherwise responsible gun owners get into trouble—not because they were malicious, but because they didn’t understand the law.
🔹 What Is “Use of Force”?
Under C.R.S. § 18-1-704, you’re allowed to use reasonable and appropriate physical force to defend yourself or someone else from the imminent use of unlawful physical force.
Examples of non-deadly force might include:
- Shoving someone to break free
- Using OC spray or a baton
- A closed-fist punch in self-defense
- Restraining someone without causing serious injury
You cannot use deadly force to stop a shove, slap, or verbal threat alone—even if it feels threatening.
🔹 What Is “Use of Deadly Force”?
Deadly force is any force that is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. This includes:
- Firing a gun at someone (even if you miss)
- Stabbing or striking with a deadly weapon
- Strikes to vital areas (e.g., head with a hard object)
You’re only allowed to use deadly force under very specific conditions.
🔹 When Can You Use Deadly Force in Colorado?
Colorado law says you’re justified in using deadly force only when you reasonably believe it’s necessary to:
- Prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to yourself or another person;
- Stop the commission of certain violent felonies, including:
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Aggravated assault
- First-degree arson
- Defend against someone unlawfully entering your home under Colorado’s Make My Day law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5).
Each of these situations still requires a reasonable belief that the threat is real and immediate.
🔹 What Counts as Serious Bodily Injury?
Colorado defines serious bodily injury (SBI) as:
- Risk of death
- Permanent disfigurement
- Protracted loss or impairment of any body part or organ
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Loss of consciousness due to injury
If the threat doesn’t rise to that level, you’re likely restricted to non-deadly force only.
🔹 Real-World Example
A man shoves you in a store parking lot after an argument over a parking space. He’s angry, but unarmed. You draw your firearm and fire.
Result: That’s deadly force—and likely not justified under Colorado law. You may be arrested and charged with a crime.
Now, if that same man pulls a knife and charges at you, and you reasonably believe you’re about to be killed or seriously injured? That’s a very different situation—deadly force may now be legally justified.
🔹 Tactical Takeaways
- You must match the level of threat. Don’t escalate a non-deadly situation with deadly force.
- Know the law before you carry. If you can’t articulate why deadly force was necessary, you’re in serious legal danger.
- Training matters. Understanding threat assessment, de-escalation, and proportional response is key.
🔚 Conclusion
In Colorado, the legal difference between use of force and deadly force is massive—and the consequences of getting it wrong are life-changing.
Deadly force should be a last resort, reserved only for truly extreme threats. As a responsible armed citizen or professional, your best weapon is not your gun—it’s your judgment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
