Tag: concealed carry

Explore essential information about concealed carry, including training tips, legal requirements, permit processes, gear recommendations, and real-world defensive tactics. Learn how to carry responsibly and confidently, whether you’re new to concealed carry or a seasoned permit holder.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

3 Mistakes That Will Get You Arrested — Even With a Colorado CCW

Mark Schneider

Owning a concealed carry permit (CCW) in Colorado gives you the right to carry — but not immunity from arrest or prosecution. Even responsible gun owners can find themselves in handcuffs for making simple, avoidable mistakes.

Below are three common errors that have led to real arrests and criminal charges across Colorado. Each one can destroy your reputation, cost you your permit, and leave you facing thousands in legal fees.

Mistake #1 – Handling or Carrying While Under the Influence

Colorado law is crystal clear: if you’re too impaired to drive, you’re too impaired to carry a gun.
Under CRS 18-12-106, it’s illegal to possess or handle a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Even if your firearm stays holstered, being intoxicated while armed can still lead to arrest, permit suspension, and felony charges.

A recent Greeley bar shooting case shows how alcohol, anger, and poor judgment can destroy lives. The suspect reportedly became intoxicated, felt “disrespected,” left to retrieve a rifle, and returned to fire 28 rounds in and around a bar — injuring bystanders and earning a 1,016-year prison sentence.

👉 Lesson: If you plan to drink, leave your firearm secured and locked away.
A single bad decision under the influence can erase years of training and cost you your freedom.

Mistake #2 – Brandishing or “Demonstrating” Your Firearm Without Justification

Many CCW holders misunderstand what counts as a defensive display versus menacing.
Pulling back your jacket, unholstering your gun, or even placing your hand on the grip during an argument can be seen as threatening under Colorado law.

In my De-Escalation for CCW Holders article, I teach the “6 Ds”: Detect, Disengage, Demonstrate, Deter, Defend, Dial 911.
The “Demonstrate” stage only applies when you are in imminent fear of death or serious bodily harm — not because someone disrespected you, cut you off, or raised their voice.

👉 Lesson: Keep your ego out of it.
If you’re not legally justified to fire, you’re not legally justified to draw.

Mistake #3 – Getting Involved in Fights or Ego-Driven Altercations

Nothing ruins a self-defense claim faster than provocation.
If you start the confrontation, the law will not protect you — even if the other person escalates.

The Gavin Dasaur incident is another example of how anger, alcohol, and ego can lead to tragedy.
Colorado’s self-defense laws (CRS 18-1-704 and 18-1-705) protect those acting reasonably — not those seeking revenge or “to teach someone a lesson.”

👉 Lesson: Walk away.
Every argument you avoid is one you win.

⚖️ Criminal vs. Civil Consequences

TypeExampleOutcome
Criminal ChargesReckless endangerment, menacing, or unlawful carryJail time, probation, or firearm ban
Civil LawsuitThe other party sues for damagesLegal defense costs, potential settlement
AdministrativeCCW suspension or revocationLoss of carry privileges, retraining required

Even if you “win” in court, you still lose time, money, and peace of mind.

🧭 Know the Law, Train the Mindset

Colorado’s self-defense laws are designed to protect you when you act reasonably and proportionally.
Understanding those boundaries is what separates responsible gun owners from defendants.

For a deeper dive into use-of-force standards, read my breakdown:
👉 Colorado Self-Defense Laws Explained

💡 Call to Action

✅ Sign up for a Colorado Concealed Carry Class —
Train with real scenarios, legal updates, and qualification drills that prepare you for real-world encounters.

✅ Compare Self-Defense Insurance Options —
Protect yourself legally and financially before an incident happens.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Always consult a qualified attorney or instructor before applying use-of-force principles or interpreting state law.

🧩 Suggested Reading

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Can You Carry a Firearm in a Bar or Restaurant in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Many Colorado gun owners are surprised to learn that there’s no statewide law banning firearms in bars or restaurants that serve alcohol. The confusion comes from not understanding the difference between being present in a place that serves alcohol and being under the influence while armed.

This article breaks down what Colorado law actually says about carrying in bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol — and what every CCW holder and armed professional needs to know before walking through the door.

Colorado Law on Carrying in Bars

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-105 (Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon) and § 18-12-106 (Prohibited Use of Weapons), it is not illegal to carry a firearm into a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.

However, it becomes a crime to possess, handle, or use a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

C.R.S. § 18-12-106(1)(d) states that a person commits Prohibited Use of Weapons if they:

“Have in their possession a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a controlled substance.”

That means you don’t have to draw or discharge your firearm to commit a crime — simply being in possession of it while intoxicated is enough.

Law Enforcement Uses the DUI Standard

Colorado law doesn’t set a specific BAC limit for firearm possession, but law enforcement applies the same impairment standard used for DUI cases.
If you’re too drunk to legally drive, you’re too drunk to legally carry a firearm.

Officers can use field sobriety tests, witness statements, or blood-alcohol test results to prove impairment. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, prosecutors can still charge you if your behavior, coordination, or speech suggest intoxication.

In short:

  • You can legally carry into a bar or restaurant.
  • You cannot be in possession of your firearm once you’re under the influence.
  • The same standard used for a DUI can be used to determine guilt.

Bars vs. Restaurants: The Difference Is Policy, Not Law

Colorado law doesn’t distinguish between a bar and a restaurant — but business owners can set their own policies.

If a bar, nightclub, or restaurant posts a “No Firearms” sign, that’s their right as private property owners. Ignoring it isn’t a gun crime, but it can result in a trespassing charge if you refuse to leave when asked.

Always respect posted signage and management requests — it’s not worth losing your permit or facing charges.

Concealed Carry and Alcohol: The Fine Line

Your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) allows you to carry concealed into most establishments, including those that serve alcohol.
But the moment you become “under the influence,” that lawful carry ends.

Even a single drink can complicate a self-defense case. If you’re armed and involved in a defensive incident after drinking, prosecutors can use your alcohol consumption to question your judgment and reasonableness — even if the shooting was justified.

Bottom line:
Carrying while drinking is technically legal.
Being in possession of a firearm while intoxicated is illegal under state law.

Open Carry in Bars and Restaurants

Colorado is generally an open-carry state, except where local governments restrict it.

  • Denver completely bans open carry by ordinance.
  • Other cities may limit it inside government buildings or designated areas.

Even where open carry is lawful, doing so in a bar or restaurant can draw unwanted attention or alarm staff and patrons. For most situations, concealed carry is the smarter, lower-profile choice.

Federal and Private Property Restrictions

Some establishments that serve alcohol may also be subject to federal firearm restrictions, including:

  • Federal courthouses or government buildings with cafés or bars
  • Airport restaurants beyond TSA checkpoints
  • Military facilities and federally leased spaces

For a Full List of Prohibited Areas, Visit our Colorado CHP Guide

Private businesses can also ban firearms entirely. If you’re asked to leave, you must do so immediately — refusing can lead to trespassing charges.

Real-World Lessons: Alcohol, Anger, and Ego Don’t Mix

Most firearm-related incidents in bars share three ingredients: alcohol, anger, and ego.
When judgment is impaired, even a normally responsible carrier can make a bad decision that ends in handcuffs or a courtroom.

If you plan to drink, leave your firearm locked and secured beforehand.

It only takes one lapse in judgment to turn a lawful carry into a criminal case or civil lawsuit. This is why every responsible gun owner should carry self-defense insurance and seek continuing education in self-defense law.

Best Practices for CCW Holders

  • Avoid drinking while armed — if you’re too drunk to drive, you’re too drunk to carry.
  • Respect “No Firearms” signs — they fall under private property rights.
  • Keep your firearm holstered and out of sight unless deadly force is lawfully justified.
  • If you plan to consume alcohol, secure your firearm at home in your gun safe
  • Always stay calm, objective, and sober in both mind and judgment.

Final Thoughts

Colorado allows lawful gun owners to carry in most public places — including bars and restaurants — but with freedom comes responsibility.
If you’re going out for drinks, leave the gun at home or in a lockbox. The safest, smartest carriers know that sound judgment is your most important piece of gear.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed Colorado attorney or your local law enforcement agency.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense Insurance

The Michael Hancock Shooting: A Costly Lesson on Self-Defense and Insurance

Mark Schneider

Introduction

In June 2018, Denver man Michael Hancock shot and killed his passenger, Hyun “Hun Soo” Kim, after a violent altercation inside his vehicle. Hancock claimed self-defense—but despite acting to save his own life, he spent over a year in jail awaiting trial because he couldn’t afford bond or a legal defense.

His story is a powerful reminder that even when you act lawfully in self-defense, the system can still ruin your life if you’re not prepared—especially without self-defense insurance.

What Happened (Chronological Order)

  • Early Morning, June 1, 2018:
    Hancock picked up Hyun “Hun Soo” Kim in Denver to drive him home.
  • During the Ride:
    Kim was highly intoxicated, later found to have a BAC of 0.308—nearly four times the legal limit.
  • Altercation Begins:
    Kim became combative—punching Hancock in the head and grabbing the steering wheel.
  • Hancock Pulls Over:
    To stop the assault, Hancock pulled over on I-25 near University Boulevard around 3:00 a.m.
  • The Shooting:
    Hancock fired multiple rounds in fear for his life, striking Kim.
  • Aftermath:
    He called 911, remained on scene, and cooperated fully with police.
  • Charges Filed:
    Hancock was arrested for first-degree murder and spent over a year in jail awaiting trial due to lack of funds for bail or private counsel.
  • Trial & Verdict:
    In October 2019, a jury found him not guilty, agreeing he acted in lawful self-defense.
  • Civil Attempt:
    Kim’s family later tried to sue Hancock, but when they realized he had no assets, they shifted the lawsuit to Uber. Hancock still had to hire an attorney and pay thousands in fees before the complaint against him was dropped.

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Liability

AspectCriminal CaseCivil Case
Who Files ItThe governmentVictim’s family or estate
GoalProve a crime occurredSeek money or damages
Burden of ProofBeyond a reasonable doubtPreponderance of the evidence
Possible OutcomePrison, probation, or acquittalFinancial judgment or settlement
Hancock’s ExampleCharged with murder, later acquittedStill had to pay thousands in legal fees before suit was dropped

Takeaway:
Even if you’re found not guilty, civil lawsuits can still come—and cost you everything. Self-defense insurance protects against both sides of the fight.

Why Self-Defense Insurance Matters

Michael Hancock’s case is a real-world example of why self-defense insurance isn’t optional for responsible gun owners, CCW holders, and armed professionals.

He acted lawfully, but still sat in jail and spent thousands defending himself from both criminal and civil claims. A self-defense protection plan could have covered his attorneys, posted bail, and handled his civil defense from day one.

Innocent people get arrested every day. The question isn’t whether you’ll win—it’s whether you can afford to fight.

⚖️ Protect Yourself Before You Ever Need To

If you carry a firearm for personal protection:

  • Enroll in self-defense insurance that includes both criminal and civil coverage.
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late—coverage must be active before an incident occurs.
  • Check out our comparison guide for trusted providers.

👉 [Compare Self-Defense Insurance Options Here]

🚨 After a Defensive Shooting

Knowing what to say after a defensive incident is just as important as knowing how to shoot.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:

  • Call 911 immediately, but say only the critical facts—identify yourself, state there’s been a shooting, and request medical and police response.
  • When police arrive, cooperate but do not volunteer details until you have legal counsel present.

For a complete breakdown, read our full guide:
👉 [What to Say on a 911 Call and When the Police Arrive]

My Perspective

I personally believe the jury got it right in acquitting Michael Hancock. Based on the facts presented, the question is whether Hancock faced an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury—and that’s ultimately for the jury to decide.

To understand how that decision is made under Colorado law, you need to know what the law actually says about justified force. [Click here to read more about Colorado’s Self-Defense Law.]

Remember, the law is written objectively, but its application is subjective. Jurors interpret reasonableness based on what they believe they would have done in the same situation. That’s why training, awareness, and preparation are just as important as the legal statutes themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • You can be legally justified and still end up in jail.
  • Legal defense in a shooting can cost $75,000–$500,000+.
  • Self-defense insurance covers bail, legal counsel, and civil defense.
  • Civil lawsuits can follow even a full acquittal.
  • The fight doesn’t end when the shooting stops—it begins when police arrive.

Final Thoughts

Michael Hancock’s ordeal shows that justice doesn’t always mean freedom from financial ruin. He walked free after his acquittal but still paid thousands to defend himself from a civil complaint.

If you carry a firearm, prepare for every part of the fight—from the street to the courtroom. Because when your life and freedom are on the line, being right isn’t enough—you have to be ready.

Sources & News Articles

For additional background and coverage of this case: