Tag: prohibited

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Where You Cannot Conceal Carry a Firearm in Colorado

Mark Schneider

While Colorado generally allows concealed carry for individuals with a valid permit, there are numerous locations where concealed firearms are strictly prohibited by law. Understanding where you cannot conceal carry is crucial to avoid legal complications. Below is a comprehensive guide to locations in Colorado where carrying a concealed firearm is not allowed:

1. Airport Secure Areas

It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in secure areas of airports. Additionally, firearms are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be properly checked in and stored if you are traveling with them.

2. Public (City/County/State) Buildings

Any public building that screens for weapons and has a metal detector prohibits concealed carry. This includes courthouses, government offices, and other municipal facilities. Notably, the City and County of Denver has more restrictive rules, prohibiting concealed carry in any building owned or leased by the city, regardless of whether metal detectors are present.

3. Federal Buildings and Areas

Federal law prohibits carrying concealed firearms in federal buildings, such as courthouses, post offices, secure federal facilities, and certain monuments and memorials.

4. Public School Property

Concealed carry is generally not allowed on public K-12 school property, including elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools. An exception is made for firearms carried/stored in vehicles with valid CCW/CHP, as long as the firearm stays in the vehicle and not on the person when outside of the vehicle.

5. Private Property with Notices

Private property owners and businesses can prohibit concealed carry by providing notice, either through verbal communication, written postings, or signage. Common examples of such locations include:

  • Parks
  • Hospitals
  • Places of worship
  • Bars or restaurants serving alcohol
  • Sports arenas
  • Gambling facilities
  • Polling places during elections

6. State Colleges and Universities

While Colorado law generally allows concealed carry on public college campuses, some areas on campus are off-limits. For example, residence halls and certain event venues are prohibited areas for concealed carry. Many universities, such as the University of Colorado, restrict firearms in specific buildings or during particular events.

7. Polling Places

During federal elections, polling places are considered temporary federal buildings, meaning that firearms, including concealed carry, are prohibited.

8. Public Transportation Facilities

Colorado law prohibits carrying loaded firearms into public transportation facilities, whether on a bus, train, or station property.

9. Legislative Buildings

Concealed carry is prohibited in any building where the Colorado State General Assembly meets or where legislative hearings take place. This rule applies even if you possess a concealed handgun permit.

10. Special Event Areas

Certain areas or places that hold events, particularly large public gatherings, often prohibit concealed carry. Always check local ordinances and event rules before attending.

11. Polling Places and Election Locations

Colorado prohibits open and concealed carry in locations related to elections. This includes:

  • Polling locations
  • Areas where votes are being counted
  • Any building within 100 feet of a drop box or voting facility

Conclusion

While concealed carry laws in Colorado offer significant freedom for those with a permit, there are still many places where carrying a firearm is illegal. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both state and federal laws to ensure that you’re compliant, especially in areas like schools, government buildings, airports, and polling places.

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding firearms and concealed carry vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a legal professional or local law enforcement for the most current and applicable laws in your area.

Legal & Law

Can You Legally Set Up “Booby Traps” in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Prohibited Areas for Concealed Carry in Denver

Mark Schneider

Understanding Where You Can’t Carry, Even with a Permit

While many Colorado residents have a permit to carry a concealed handgun, it’s crucial to understand the specific restrictions within the City and County of Denver. There are particular places where concealed carry is prohibited, even if you have a valid permit. One of the key regulations is outlined in Denver Municipal Code Sec. 38-131, which governs the possession of firearms in city-owned or leased buildings.

Where Is Concealed Carry Prohibited?

According to Sec. 38-131, it is unlawful to carry any firearm—including concealed handguns—in any building or portion of a building that is owned or leased by the City of Denver. This means that even with a valid concealed carry permit, you are prohibited from carrying your handgun in places such as city offices, government buildings, or any portion of a facility that the city leases or operates.

Some key examples include:

  • Denver City Hall
  • Denver Public Libraries
  • Any municipal building or city-operated facility that has signage posted prohibiting firearms

Important Definitions

The term “lease” in this context covers a broad range of agreements where the city uses all or part of a building. This means that the regulation applies not only to city-owned structures but also to those spaces that the city leases from private entities.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few specific exceptions to this prohibition. Under the municipal code, it is not a violation if:

  1. You are a law enforcement officer or an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces performing your duties.
  2. You are a licensed security guard with a firearms endorsement working under your job duties.
  3. You have authorization to carry a firearm at a Denver Police Department or Sheriff Department shooting range.
  4. You are transporting a firearm in a private vehicle for purposes of lawful hunting or self-defense. For any firearms other than handguns, the firearm must be unloaded during transport.

Non-Criminal Violation: What Happens If You Carry in a Prohibited Area?

It’s important to note that violating this section of the code is considered a non-criminal offense for those with a valid concealed carry permit. This distinction is crucial because it differentiates these penalties from criminal offenses, which would carry more severe legal consequences.

If you inadvertently carry a concealed handgun into a prohibited area, here’s what you may face:

  • First violation: A maximum penalty of $50.
  • Second and subsequent violations: A maximum penalty of $999.

While the penalties may seem lenient, it’s essential to avoid these situations by staying informed about where you can and cannot carry.

Conclusion

Carrying a concealed handgun responsibly involves knowing the restrictions in place, especially in cities like Denver. Under Sec. 38-131, city-owned and leased buildings are clearly off-limits for concealed carry, even with a permit. Though violations are non-criminal, they can still result in significant fines. As a responsible gun owner, it’s important to stay informed and ensure you’re always in compliance with local laws.

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information, laws may change, and interpretations may vary. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal advice regarding their situation. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information in this article.