Tag: legal

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103: Local Control of Firearm Carry Laws in Colorado

Mark Schneider

As of 2021, Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-11.7-103 no longer prevents local governments from passing their own firearm regulations. The law once guaranteed statewide uniformity of carry laws, but it was effectively repealed and reversed by Senate Bill 21-256, giving cities, counties, and local districts the power to regulate firearms within their jurisdictions.

🔹 What the Law Used to Say

Before the 2021 change, C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103 prohibited any county or municipality from enacting laws that restricted open or concealed carry beyond what state law allowed. This made it easy for gun owners to comply with a consistent set of rules across Colorado.

🔄 What Changed with SB21-256

In 2021, Senate Bill 21-256 was signed into law and overturned the state preemption on firearm regulations. Here’s what that means:

  • Local governments may now pass their own ordinances related to:
    • Banning open or concealed carry in government buildings, parks, recreation centers, and other public spaces.
    • Prohibiting the sale or possession of certain types of firearms or accessories (e.g., “assault weapons” or magazines over 10 rounds).
  • The law requires any locality that enacts stricter rules to publicly post signs at all entry points where carry is restricted.

Example: The City and County of Denver, Boulder, Louisville, and Boulder County have all passed local ordinances banning concealed and open carry in government buildings and parks, even for CHP holders.

⚠️ What This Means for CHP Holders

If you have a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you are no longer guaranteed statewide reciprocity within Colorado. You must now:

  • Check local laws before carrying your firearm in a city or county.
  • Be aware that you may accidentally violate the law by entering a posted building or park with your concealed handgun.
  • Know that even with a valid permit, you may face misdemeanor or criminal charges if you violate a local ordinance.

✅ How to Stay Legal

  • Look for posted signage when entering public buildings, libraries, rec centers, or parks.
  • Read the municipal code of the cities you visit.
  • Stay informed about ongoing legal challenges—several gun rights groups have filed lawsuits against these local bans, arguing they violate both the state and federal constitutions.

📢 Get the Training You Need to Understand These Changes

Our Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit classes include the latest updates on state and local gun laws. We’ll walk you through what’s legal—and where you’re no longer allowed to carry.

👉 Call 720-924-6654 or visit Our Colorado Concealed Carry Classes Page to book your spot today!

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws are subject to change and may vary between jurisdictions. Always consult a qualified attorney or your local law enforcement agency for current legal guidance regarding firearm possession, carry laws, and local ordinances. Concealed Carry Classes of Denver is not responsible for any legal consequences resulting from reliance on the information presented herein.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Colorado’s New CHP Law: C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5

Mark Schneider

As of July 1, 2024, Colorado implemented C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5, a significant change to how Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) are issued and renewed. This statute introduces strict training requirements for both new applicants and renewing permit holders, including mandatory in-person instruction, live-fire range training, and a written test.

🔍 What Is C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5?

Codified into law by Colorado’s General Assembly, C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5 outlines the minimum training standards required to lawfully apply for or renew a concealed handgun permit. The purpose of the statute is to ensure that all permit holders are familiar with firearm safety and demonstrate basic competency with a handgun through verified instruction.

This law prohibits online-only or remote training. To be valid, training must be conducted in person by a verified instructor and must include both classroom instruction and live-fire range training.

📘 What Must the Course Include?

According to the law, training must meet the following criteria:

1. In-Person Instruction

  • Training must be conducted in a physical classroom setting, face-to-face with a verified firearms instructor.
  • Online or remote-only formats do not satisfy the legal requirement.

2. Instruction on Core Topics

  • Safe handling and storage of firearms
  • Legal use of physical and deadly force under Colorado law
  • De-escalation techniques and duty to retreat (where applicable)
  • Real-world judgment and decision-making

3. Written Exam

  • All students must complete a written examination covering safety protocols, legal concepts, and basic firearm knowledge.
  • A minimum score of 80% is required to pass.

4. Live-Fire Range Training

  • All students must physically fire a handgun under supervision.
  • The law requires students to demonstrate competence, often measured through a course of fire.
  • Students must achieve at least 70% accuracy during the shooting qualification. The exact number of rounds and distances may vary depending on the instructor’s course format, but shooting must be documented and supervised.

🔁 Does This Apply to Renewals?

Yes. This is one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—parts of the new law.

  • Renewal applicants are required to take a shorter refresher course, but must still complete both a written exam and live-fire training.
  • If your permit expires after July 1, 2024, you cannot renew without meeting the new in-person standards.

Previously, many counties allowed CHP renewals by mail or with minimal documentation. That is no longer permitted under C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5.

✅ Instructor Verification Requirement

Only verified firearms instructors can offer valid training under this law. A verified instructor must:

  • Be approved by the county sheriff or the state
  • Maintain documentation of course content, student performance, and range time
  • Certify completion of both the classroom and live-fire requirements

Taking a class from a non-verified instructor may result in your application being rejected.

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these new standards may result in:

  • Rejection of your concealed handgun permit application or renewal
  • Potential criminal liability if you carry a firearm without a valid CHP
  • Civil liability if involved in a use-of-force incident without having met training requirements

📍 Our Courses Meet Every Requirement of C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, our CHP training programs are fully compliant with Colorado’s new law. We provide:

  • Verified instructors recognized by Colorado counties
  • A real classroom environment at 2186 S. Holly St, Denver
  • Live-fire range time with required qualification shooting
  • Written exam included, with retake support if needed
  • Documentation you need to apply or renew under C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5

Don’t risk delays or denials—train with professionals who understand the law.

📞 Call 720-924-6654 for questions or to book your class
🌐 Or visit Colorado Concealed Carry Page

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Refer to the full text of C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5 or consult with legal counsel for complete guidance.

Legal & Law

People v. Pickering (2011) – Colorado Self-Defense Case Law Explained

Mark Schneider

What People v. Pickering Teaches Us About Self-Defense and Recklessness in Colorado

Not every self-defense case is cut and dry—and People v. Pickering (2011) is proof. For Colorado gun owners, CCW holders, and armed security professionals, this case highlights an often-misunderstood legal issue: Can you still claim self-defense in a reckless manslaughter charge?

The answer from the Colorado Supreme Court? Yes—if the facts support it.

📚 Case Snapshot

  • Case Name: People v. Pickering
  • Citation: 276 P.3d 553 (Colo. 2011)
  • Court: Colorado Supreme Court
  • Year: 2011
  • Defendant: Jerad Allen Pickering
  • Key Issue: Whether a jury should be instructed on self-defense in a reckless manslaughter case when some evidence supports the claim.

🔍 Background of the Case

Jerad Pickering fatally shot a man during a confrontation. At trial, he claimed self-defense, saying he believed he was in imminent danger. The prosecution disagreed and argued that Pickering acted recklessly.

The trial court gave the jury a self-defense instruction for some charges—but refused to give it for the reckless manslaughter charge, reasoning that self-defense doesn’t apply to crimes involving recklessness.

Pickering was convicted and appealed.

⚖️ Colorado Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court reversed the conviction. It ruled that the trial court should have instructed the jury on self-defense for the reckless manslaughter charge because there was evidence to support it.

Here’s what the court clarified:

A defendant may claim self-defense even when charged with a reckless crime, as long as there’s evidence to support the claim. It’s up to the jury—not the judge—to weigh that evidence.

This ruling reinforced a defendant’s right to have their full defense presented to the jury—especially when use-of-force justifications are involved.

📖 What the Law Says: CRS § 18-1-704(3)(b)

Colorado’s self-defense statute includes a provision that often comes up in real-world scenarios:

If you provoke a confrontation, you lose the right to claim self-defense—unless:

  1. You withdraw from the encounter,
  2. You communicate that withdrawal, and
  3. The other party continues unlawful force.

This was relevant in Pickering, but the key issue was whether a jury could consider any evidence of self-defense when a reckless charge was involved. The answer is now settled: Yes.

  • Self-defense is a right—but it’s also a jury question. If there’s evidence to support your claim, the jury should hear it—even in reckless conduct cases.
  • Recklessness and self-defense can coexist in court. Just because you’re charged with a reckless crime doesn’t mean you lose your legal defense.
  • Provocation doesn’t permanently bar you from defending yourself. If you retreat and the threat continues, you may still be justified under the law.

🛡 Why This Case Matters in Self-Defense Training

Too many people believe that if they make one mistake—like saying the wrong thing or not walking away fast enough—they automatically lose their right to self-defense. This case proves that Colorado law allows room for nuance.

As an instructor, I stress this constantly:

Your job is to make good decisions before, during, and after a use-of-force incident—but you also need to understand how the law works when those decisions are judged in court.

🧠 Final Word

People v. Pickering isn’t about mutual combat. It’s about the legal complexity of use-of-force incidents, especially when things happen fast and emotions run high. The lesson is simple:

  • Know your rights.
  • Know the law.
  • Train for the courtroom, not just the range.

✅ Protect Yourself the Smart Way

  • C.R.S. § 18-1-704 – Use of physical force in defense of a person
  • C.R.S. § 18-1-705 – Use of physical force in defense of premises
  • C.R.S. § 18-1-706 – Use of force in defense of property
  • C.R.S. § 18-1-707 – Use of force by peace officers

About the Author
Mark Schneider is the lead instructor at Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and the Training Manager at a Denver-based security company. He specializes in use-of-force law, firearms training, and real-world defensive tactics.fense.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation.