Are you facing charges related to possession of a firearm? Let Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele provide legal defense and guidance.

The right to bear arms is a constitutional protection under the Second Amendment. But state and federal gun laws significantly restrict this right, and one slip-up can leave you with criminal charges.

Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele understands that you aren't a criminal; you are just facing criminal charges. Allow our law firm to provide legal guidance and help you build a defense in the face of state or federal gun charges so that you can protect your way of life.

Contact Steele Law, P.C., today for a consultation.

Understanding Colorado Gun Charges and Weapons Offenses

If you want to own a gun or another dangerous weapon in Colorado, you must have a thorough understanding of state and federal laws. Owning certain types of weapons is illegal and can lead to misdemeanors or even felony charges, even if you never use the weapon for harm.

In Colorado, it is a felony to possess "dangerous weapons" without the proper registration, including:

• • Machine guns
  • Firearms with silencers
  • Short-barreled rifles
  • Short shotguns
  • Ballistic knives

Meanwhile, it is a misdemeanor to possess an "illegal weapon" in Colorado, which includes:

• • Gas guns
  • Blackjacks
  • Metallic knuckles

Several charges specifically relate to firearms. A person might face charges for any of the following in Colorado:

• • Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon
  • Defacing a firearm
  • Possession of a defaced firearm
  • Prohibited use of a firearm
  • Illegal discharge of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon by a previous offender (POWPO)
  • Unlawfully carrying a weapon on school grounds

Whether you are facing charges for illegal possession or discharge, you can't afford to handle your case on your own. Consult our experienced gun charges attorney to begin strategizing.

Weapons as Aggravating Factors in Other Charges

Possession of a firearm can also aggravate other violent crimes, potentially leading to more severe penalties. Your charges can be considered "aggravated" even if you did not use the firearm; simply having one on your person can escalate certain charges. Examples include:

• • Armed robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Aggravated domestic battery
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Attempted murder

Crimes involving assault and robbery are sometimes charged as misdemeanors, but the presence of weapons can escalate them to felonies, leading to potentially harsher punishments.

Exploring Federal Gun Crimes

Some gun crimes can also be charged at the federal level and carry more severe penalties compared to state crimes. A person may be charged with a federal firearm offense for:

• • Crossing state lines with an illegal firearm
  • Carrying or using a firearm in a drug trafficking offense
  • Possessing prohibited weapons under federal law
  • Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
  • Possessing a firearm in restricted areas (federal buildings, airports, etc.)

Convictions could lead to sentences in federal prison.

If you are facing charges for a federal offense, you need a seasoned attorney to defend you in federal court.

Potential Penalties and Average Sentences for Gun Charges

Gun and weapons crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the crime. Our law firm can help you understand what your specific charges mean and the potential penalties you may be facing upon conviction.

For example:

• • Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon is typically charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 120 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
  • Possession of a weapon by a previous offender can be charged as a Class 6 or Class 5 felony, with sentences often ranging from one to three years imprisonment and steep fines.
  • Unlawful purchase of a firearm can be charged as a Class 4 felony, with convictions sometimes leading to penalties of between two and six years imprisonment.

Certain federal firearm charges can carry mandatory minimum sentences as well.

As you can see, gun charges are taken very seriously in Colorado and at the federal level. Even if you did not intend to use a weapon, simply having one can land you in prison. Consulting a criminal defense attorney is of the utmost importance.

Common Defenses Against State and Federal Gun Charges

Our law firm has defended countless clients in the face of gun and weapons charges. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele will closely evaluate your charges and investigate your case to shape your defense.

Common defenses for gun charges may include:

• • Lack of knowledge: You may not have reasonably known that the firearm was in your home or vehicle, especially if your home has multiple occupants.
  • Temporary possession: Perhaps you were only holding the firearm temporarily for a lawful purpose, such as taking it from someone to prevent them from hurting themself.
  • Entrapment: You may be able to claim that law enforcement officers entrapped you or caused you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed.
  • Self-defense: If you were at risk of immediate, serious harm, you may be able to claim self-defense for possessing or using a firearm.

We can also explore negotiating a plea deal, depending on the evidence against you. In some cases, pleading guilty may enable you to secure lesser penalties and start moving forward sooner.

Speak With Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing gun charges can be incredibly distressing. Many people lawfully own guns as a means of protecting themselves and their families, and you may have never intended to violate any laws. Still, you need to take these charges seriously and do everything you can to avoid serious penalties.

I value building long-term relationships with my clients, and your future success is extremely important to me.

You may picture criminal defense attorneys as confrontational and abrupt. I take a different approach—my focus is on helping you gain peace of mind, knowing your case is in experienced, dedicated hands.