Tag: legal

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News

How to Legally Store a Firearm in Your Vehicle In Colorado

Mark Schneider

As of January 1, 2025, Colorado gun owners must comply with CRS § 18‑12‑114.5, a new law requiring secure firearm storage in unattended vehicles. If you keep a handgun or long gun in your car or truck, this law affects you.

The goal? Preventing theft, unauthorized access, and negligent storage. Here’s what you need to know—and how to stay on the right side of the law.

🔒 What Does CRS § 18‑12‑114.5 Require?

The law clearly outlines how firearms must be secured if left in a parked and unattended vehicle.

For Handguns:

You must store the handgun in a:

  • Locked, hard-sided container
  • That is out of plain view
  • Inside one of the following:
    • A locked vehicle
    • The locked trunk of a vehicle
    • A locked RV

Acceptable examples:

  • Locked glove box or center console (must be hard-sided and locked)
  • Lockable pistol case (like Pelican or Plano) stowed under a seat or in the trunk

For Long Guns (Rifles or Shotguns):

You must either:

  1. Store it in a locked, hard-sided container, or
  2. Use a locked, soft-sided case with a locking device installed on the firearm (such as a cable lock or trigger lock)

Storing a rifle in a soft bag alone—without a lock on the firearm—does not comply.

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to follow CRS § 18‑12‑114.5 results in a civil infraction with a fine of up to $500.

Even more serious: if your unsecured firearm is stolen and used in a crime, you could face civil liability or legal scrutiny.

🙅‍♂️ Who Is Exempt?

There are a few carve-outs. You are exempt if:

  • The firearm is an antique
  • You are using a long gun on private farm or ranch land
  • You live full-time in a vehicle or RV
  • You are active-duty military, a peace officer, a licensed hunter, or hunter education instructor
  • You are disabled, in which case you may use a locked soft-sided case for a handgun

When in doubt, follow the safe route and lock it up.

✅ How to Stay Compliant: Checklist

RequirementHandgunLong Gun
Locked hard-sided container✔️✔️
Locked soft-sided case + locking device❌✔️
Out of plain view✔️✔️
Container inside locked vehicle or trunk✔️✔️
Locking device on firearm (if soft case used)❌✔️

🧰 Correct and Incorrect Examples

  • Glock 19 stored in a locked case with cable attachment to a seat bracket under the seat of a locked car, completely out of view.
  • AR-15 with a cable lock installed, stored in a locked soft-sided rifle case, placed in the locked trunk of a sedan.

❌ Illegal Setup

  • Pistol tossed in a nylon holster under the driver’s seat.
  • Shotgun in a zippered case behind the front seat—no lock on the firearm, visible from the window.
  • Any firearm in an unlocked car, even if in a case.

🔐 Why This Law Matters

Colorado has seen a rise in gun thefts from parked cars. This law:

  • Helps prevent firearms from ending up on the street
  • Encourages secure storage among responsible gun owners
  • Reduces risk of access by children or prohibited individuals

If you carry for self-defense, you should also be serious about secure storage when you’re not in the vehicle.

CRS § 18‑12‑114.5 doesn’t prohibit you from keeping a firearm in your vehicle—it just tells you how to do it safely and legally.

Even if you’re parked for just a few minutes, failing to properly secure your firearm could cost you. The law is clear: locked case, locked vehicle, out of sight.

🔫 Need Help Staying Compliant?

We’ve got everything you need to store and carry responsibly:

  • 🛍️ Shop Secure Gear
    Browse lockable gun cases, cable locks, and trunk storage solutions
    → Visit the Shop
  • 📚 Take Our CCW Class
    Learn Colorado law, legal storage rules, and safe carry practices
    → Book Your Class
  • 🎯 Download Our Free Shooting Drills
    Build practical skills while you stay compliant
    → Get Free Drills
  • 🛡️ Get Covered with Self-Defense Insurance
    Protect yourself legally and financially if your firearm is stolen or used
    → See Coverage Options

🚘 Bottom Line: Don’t Just Carry Smart—Store Smart.

Locked up. Out of sight. Within the law.
Stay compliant with CRS § 18‑12‑114.5 and keep your rights protected.

The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed Carry Classes of Denver does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of any legal statutes referenced. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. It is your responsibility to consult official Colorado state resources or seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with current laws. By reading this article, you agree that Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and its affiliates are not liable for any actions taken based on the content herein.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Does Colorado Have a “Brandishing Law”?

Mark Schneider

Many people ask if Colorado has a law that makes “brandishing” a firearm illegal — meaning waving, drawing, or showing a gun in a threatening or reckless way.

👉 Short answer:

  • No, Colorado does not have a law actually called “brandishing.”
  • Instead, Colorado handles these situations under crimes like menacing, and some cities (like Denver) have local codes against flourishing deadly weapons.

Menacing Under Colorado Law (C.R.S. 18-3-206)

In Colorado, the crime most people confuse with brandishing is called menacing. Under C.R.S. 18-3-206:

A person commits menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

Levels of menacing:

  • Misdemeanor menacing (no weapon) is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Felony menacing involves a deadly weapon (or pretending to have one) and is a Class 5 felony.

➡ Intent is key

Menacing requires that you intended to threaten or instill fear.
If you simply have a firearm on your person or it is partially visible by accident, that alone is not menacing.

Local Ordinances: Denver’s “Flourishing” Law

Some Colorado cities go further with local rules. For example, Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-117 makes it illegal to:

Flourish, display or brandish any deadly weapon in a manner calculated to cause alarm.

➡ Intent also matters here

“Calculated to cause alarm” means there must be an intention to display the firearm in a way that would scare or alarm others.
Just having a gun on your belt that someone sees is not enough for a flourishing charge.

Printing Is Not Illegal

Many concealed carriers worry about “printing,” which is when the outline of a firearm is visible under your clothing. Or maybe you accidentally lift your shirt when reaching for something in the grocery store, exposing your holstered handgun for a second.

✅ This is not illegal in Colorado.
There is no law that penalizes merely revealing or “printing” a firearm without any threatening act.

As long as there is no intent to threaten, intimidate, or cause alarm, you are generally within your rights.

What About Defensive Display?

Colorado law does not have a statute for “defensive display,” like some other states (e.g., Arizona).

So if you show your firearm to deter a potential threat, you could still be investigated for menacing. Whether it results in charges depends heavily on:

  • If your belief of imminent serious bodily harm was reasonable, and
  • If it would pass the reasonable person standard (i.e., would a jury of 12 think it made sense?).

Bottom Line

✅ Colorado has no law called “brandishing.”
🚫 But improper display of a firearm meant to intimidate could be menacing under state law, or flourishing under local laws like in Denver.
⚖️ Both require intent to threaten or cause alarm — simply having a gun visible (printing or accidental exposure) is not a crime.

Ready to Learn More or Protect Yourself?

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and interpretations vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified attorney in your area to get advice specific to your situation.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Self-Defense vs. Mutual Combat: What the Courts Will Ask

Mark Schneider

When a use-of-force case lands in court, one of the most important questions is this: Was it self-defense—or was it mutual combat? That distinction can be the deciding factor between a justified shooting and a criminal charge.

As a firearms instructor, I teach my students—whether they’re CCW holders, armed guards, or police—that “self-defense” is a legal defense, not a free pass. If you acted recklessly, started the conflict, or stayed when you didn’t need to, the courts may not side with you.

🔍 What is Mutual Combat?

Mutual combat refers to a situation where both parties voluntarily engage in a fight. If you consent to fight someone—even verbally—you may forfeit your right to claim self-defense.

Colorado law makes it clear: you cannot start the fight and then claim self-defense unless you try to walk away and the other person continues the aggression.

⚖️ What the Court Will Look At

Whether you’re facing charges or testifying in court, expect these questions:

  1. Who started the conflict?
  2. Did you escalate the situation?
  3. Were you legally allowed to be there?
  4. Was the threat immediate and serious?
  5. Did you use proportional force?

📚 People v. Pickering (2011)

In People v. Pickering, the defendant shot and killed a man after a confrontation. He was charged with multiple crimes, including reckless manslaughter. The trial court refused to give the jury a self-defense instruction for that charge.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that was a mistake. Even when someone is accused of acting recklessly, they may still be entitled to a self-defense instruction—if the facts support it.

The case reinforces a key principle: Self-defense must be evaluated based on all circumstances, including whether the accused was the initial aggressor or tried to withdraw from the fight.

🚫 You Can’t Provoke and Then Claim Self-Defense

Under CRS § 18-1-704(3)(b), a person who provokes the use of force cannot claim self-defense unless:

  • They withdraw from the encounter in good faith, and
  • They clearly communicate that withdrawal to the other person.

Once you do that—and the other person continues the aggression—you may then be justified in using force.

🧭 Colorado Law: No Duty to Retreat

Colorado is a “no duty to retreat” state.

That means if:

  • You are not the initial aggressor, and
  • You are in a place where you are legally allowed to be,

…then you are not required to retreat before using force to defend yourself.

This gives Colorado gun owners and guards strong legal protection—but it does not give you the right to instigate violence or escalate a verbal argument into a physical confrontation.

🧠 De-Escalation is Always the Smartest Move

Carrying a firearm means you take on more responsibility—not less. It’s not about “winning” the encounter. It’s about staying alive, free, and legally protected.

Good use-of-force decisions look like this:

  • You tried to leave or defuse the situation.
  • You didn’t make threats.
  • You didn’t use force until it was absolutely necessary.

If the jury believes you wanted a fight or contributed to the chaos, your self-defense claim may fall apart.

✅ Final Thoughts: Know the Difference

Mutual combat destroys self-defense claims. If you’re in a confrontation, the best way to protect yourself is by not participating in the fight unless you are truly out of options.

Learn your rights. Train for reality. Avoid the courtroom.

🔒 Protect Yourself — Before You Ever Have to

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About the Author
Mark Schneider is the lead instructor at Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and a security training manager. He teaches real-world use-of-force law to civilians, guards, and professionals across Colorado.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and its instructors are not attorneys. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation. Use of force laws can vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. It is your responsibility to remain informed and in compliance with all applicable laws.