WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Colorado

Colorado State Gun Laws

State Gun Laws

Basic Info and Definitions

What is the difference between federal and state gun laws? Why do I need to understand both?

In these gun laws pages, we refer to both “federal gun laws” and “state gun laws.”  The major difference between the two has to do with who makes the law, who prosecutes someone who violates the law, and what the penalty is for breaking the law.

One reason why it is important for you to know that there are these two sets of gun laws is so that you can understand all of the possible ways that the abuser might be breaking the law, and you can better protect yourself.  Throughout this section, we will be referring mostly to state laws.  Be sure to also read our Federal Gun Laws pages to see if any federal laws apply to your situation as well.  You will need to read both state and federal laws to see which ones, if any, the abuser might be violating.

If you are calling the police because you believe the abuser has violated a gun law, you do not necessarily need to be able to tell the police which law was violated (state versus federal) but local police cannot arrest someone for violating federal law, only for violating state/local laws.  Only federal law enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (“ATF”), can arrest someone for violating federal laws.  If the local police believe that a state law is being violated, they could arrest the abuser and hand the case over to the state prosecutor.  If the local police believe a federal law is being violated, hopefully, the police department will notify the ATF or perhaps the U.S. Attorney’s office in your state (which is the federal prosecutor).  For information on how you can contact ATF directly to report the violation of federal gun laws, go to Who do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?  If the abuser is breaking both state and federal laws, s/he might be prosecuted in both state and federal court.

What is the definition of a felony?

Throughout these gun law pages, we will refer to gun laws that make it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to have a gun. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. Most felonies under Colorado law are punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year.1 However, you cannot always tell if someone was convicted of a felony only by looking at the amount of time s/he actually served in prison since sentences are often reduced or pled down. If you are unsure if the abuser was convicted of a felony, you might want to talk to the prosecutor who handled the criminal case against the abuser to find out or go to the local criminal courthouse and try to search the records.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401

I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?

According to Colorado state law, a person can only get a permit to carry a concealed handgun if all of the following conditions are met. The applicant:

Note: Even if the applicant meets all of the requirements above, the sheriff can still deny the permit if, based on the applicant’s previous behavior, the sheriff has a reasonable belief that s/he would likely be a danger to himself/herself or others if the permit were granted.2

In addition, as part of a temporary or final domestic violence protection order, the judge can make firearms-related orders. The judge can only do so, however, if, after reviewing the petition, the judge determines that an act of domestic violence took place and it involved physical force or the threat or attempt to use physical force. The judge must then order that the abuser:

  • not have or buy any firearms or ammunition for the duration of the order; and
  • give up any firearms or ammunition that s/he currently has in his/her possession or control to a licensed firearms dealer, private party or to law enforcement.3

In addition, it is illegal for anyone to possess a firearm if s/he is on probation after being convicted of a crime that involved domestic violence. An exception can be made, however, for a defendant whose job requires the use of a firearm if the judge believes that the victim and his/her child would not be endangered and the gun is not stored in the defendant’s home.4

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if s/he was convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor or if you have a final protection order against him/her that meets certain requirements. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

For additional information on gun laws in Colorado, you can go the the Giffords Law Center website.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-203(1)(a)-(g); 18-12-108
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203(2)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(1)(a), (2)(c)
4 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-204(2)(b)(IV)

Guns and Protection Orders

I have a protection order against the abuser. Can s/he have a gun?

Under Colorado law, the judge can include gun prohibitions in a temporary or final domestic violence protection order. If the judge reviews the protection order petition and decides that the protection order includes an act of domestic violence involving physical force or the threat or attempt to use physical force, the judge must then order the abuser to:

  • not have or buy any firearms or ammunition while the order is in effect; and
  • give up (relinquish) any firearms or ammunition that s/he currently has in his/her possession or control to a licensed firearms dealer, private party, or law enforcement.1

The judge can also order the abuser to give up any firearms or ammunition in his/her immediate possession or control as a condition for the abuser to be released from jail on bond.2

Once the abuser is served with the protection order, s/he has to follow what the order says and give up any guns or ammunition s/he has while the order is in effect. If the abuser has a gun or ammunition while the order is in effect, s/he would be committing the crime of violation of a protection order.3  

For information about how the abuser must give up his/her guns and how the judge makes sure s/he has done so, see How does an abuser give up his/her guns and ammunition? What happens next?

Additionally, an abuser who has an active protection order against him/her for any reason cannot get a permit to carry a concealed handgun. This includes someone who has:

To see all of the conditions someone must meet to get a concealed carry permit, go to I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if s/he was convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor or if you have a final protection order against him/her that meets certain requirements. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

For additional information on gun laws in Colorado, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(1)(a)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(1)(b)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat.§ 18-6-803.5
4 Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-203(1); 18-12-108

How does an abuser give up his/her guns and ammunition? What happens next?

If the abuser is in the courtroom when a judge orders the abuser to give up his/her guns and ammunition, s/he will have 24 hours to give up the guns and ammunition. If the abuser is not in the courtroom when the order is issued, s/he will have 48 hours to give them up. Both time frames do not count legal holidays and weekends.1

After the judge orders the abuser to give up his/her guns and ammunition, the abuser may do so by:

  • selling or transferring the firearms to a federally-licensed firearms dealer;
  • storing them with a law enforcement agency; or
  • selling or transferring them to a person who can legally possess firearms or ammunition.2

The judge must also schedule a compliance hearing within eight to twelve business days to make sure that the abuser did, in fact, give up the firearms. The respondent will be notified of the hearing date and s/he is supposed to appear at the hearing in person. If the judge determines that there is “probable cause” to believe the respondent has failed to give up his/her firearms, the judge will issue a search warrant so that law enforcement can search the respondent’s home for the firearms and take them.3

You can read more about keeping an abuser from accessing guns on the National Domestic Violence and Firearms Resource Center’s website.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(2)(a)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(2)(a)(II)(c)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-105.5(1)(c), (5)(a), (5)(e)

Is there anything I can do to make it more likely that the abuser's gun is taken away when I get a protection order?

Here are a few things that may help:

  • If the abuser has a gun, tell the judge how many guns s/he has, and if s/he has ever threatened you with a gun(s);
  • Ask the judge to specifically write in your protective order that the abuser cannot own, buy or have a gun while the order is in effect. The form that you will have to fill out to petition for a protective order will have a place where you can request additional protections. You can ask that the abuser’s gun(s) be taken away in that section; and
  • Before leaving the courthouse, check to make sure that the gun restriction is written on your order.

It also may be helpful if the judge explains what will happen to the abuser’s guns, who will take them, and where they will be held once you leave the courthouse. If the judge agrees to add language that the abuser cannot keep his/her guns while the protective order is in effect, you may also want to ask that the judge:

  • Require the abuser to give his/her guns to the police, or require the police to go to the abuser’s house and get them;
  • Make it clear to both you and the abuser how long the guns will be kept away from the abuser; and
  • Order that the police notify you when the guns are returned to the abuser.

The abuser did not show up for the protection order hearing. Can his/her gun still be taken away?

The abuser does not have to come to the hearing in order for the law to apply to him/her, but s/he does have to be given notice of the hearing and an opportunity to attend.1 If no hearing is scheduled, and/or no notice is given about the court hearing, then the federal firearm law might not apply to the abuser.2

1 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8); see, for example, United States v. Bunnell 106 F. Supp. 2d 60 (D. Me. 2000), aff’d 280 F.3d 46 (1st Cir. 2002.)
2 See, for example, United States v. Spruill,292 F. 3d 207 (5th Cir. 2002.)

Guns and Criminal Convictions

If the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he keep or buy a gun?

According to Colorado state law, a person who has been convicted of certain crimes cannot get a permit to carry a concealed handgun.  The permit will be denied if:

  • s/he has been convicted of a felony, attempt to commit a felony, or conspiracy to commit a felony; or
  • s/he has been convicted of perjury related to information provided on a concealed handgun permit application.1

In addition, it is illegal for anyone to possess a firearm if s/he is on probation after being convicted of a crime that involved domestic violence.  An exception can be made, however, for a defendant whose job requires the use of a firearm if the judge believes that the victim and his/her child would not be endangered and the gun is not stored in the defendant’s home.2

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if s/he was convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor.  Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-203(1)(c), (1)(d); 18-12-108
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-204(2)(b)(IV)

How can I find out if the abuser has been convicted of a crime?

Misdemeanor and felony records are open to the public, but they are not always easy to access.  If you know the exact courthouse where the abuser may have been convicted, you can go to the courthouse and ask the clerk of court for access to those records.

Federal law specifically prohibits possession of a firearm if the person is convicted of any felony or of a domestic violence misdemeanor. Criminal records that would make a person ineligible to purchase a firearm are also kept in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  However, no one other than law enforcement officials and licensed firearm sellers are allowed to search the NICS.  Your local police department may be willing to search NICS for you if you ask, but they are not required to do so.

To read more about the NICS, please see the question, What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?

The Abuser Isn’t Supposed to Have a Gun…Now What?

If the abuser's gun is taken away, what will happen to it?

If there is a provision in your protection order that says that the abuser has to surrender his/her guns, the guns could be kept by the sheriff department in his/her county, or in some cases, law enforcement will allow the abuser to leave the guns with a friend or relative while the protection order is in effect. If the abuser’s gun is taken by the police because it was used in a crime, it will be sold or destroyed.1

If you are not sure where the abuser’s gun is and you think that the abuser could have access to it, it is a good idea to consider making a safety plan. See our Safety Planning page to learn more about how to increase your safety. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization for additional help. Visit our CO Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-13-311

Who do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?

If you think the abuser is violating state firearm laws, you can call your local police or sheriff department or the State Police.  If you think the abuser is violating federal firearm laws, you can call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

You can find contact information for sheriff departments in your area on our CO Sheriff Departments page.

You can find ATF field offices in Colorado on the ATF website.  For reporting illegal firearm activity, a person can also call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).  Many ATF offices have victim advocates on staff (called “victim/witness coordinators”) and so perhaps you may ask to speak one of these advocates if you are having a hard time connecting with (or receiving a call back from) an ATF officer.

A local domestic violence organization in your area may also be able to answer your questions and assist you in talking to the necessary law enforcement officials.  You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our CO Advocates and Shelters page.

Note: Generally, the abuser does not have to have knowledge of the law in order to be arrested for breaking the law.  If the abuser has or buys a gun in violation of the law, the abuser can be arrested, whether or not s/he knows that s/he was in violation of the law.1

1United States v. Lippman, 369 F. 3d 1039 (8th Cir. 2004); United States v. Henson, 55 F. Supp. 2d 528 (S.D. W.V. 1999)

What is the penalty for violating state or federal firearm laws?

While a protection order is in effect, if the respondent possesses, or attempts to possess, a firearm or ammunition, s/he has committed the crime of violation of a protection order, which is a class 2 misdemeanor. It can be a class 1 misdemeanor if any of the following are true:

  • the abuser was previously convicted of violating a protection order;
  • the protection order was issued as part of a criminal case and meets the requirements in section 18-1-1001 of the law;
  • the basis for issuing the protection order included an allegation of stalking; or
  • the parties were in an intimate relationship.1

The punishment for a class 2 misdemeanor is up to three months imprisonment, a fine of up to $750, or both. The punishment for a class 1 misdemeanor is up to 12 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.2

If someone who was convicted of a felony, or attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony, is in possession of a firearm, it can be a class 5 or 6 felony depending on the underlying felony conviction, the length of time since that felony conviction, and other factors.3 The punishment for a class 5 felony is between one and three years, a fine of between $1,000 and $100,000, or both. The punishment for a class 6 felony is between one and one and a half years, a fine of between $1,000 and $100,000, or both.4

Also, anyone who has or buys a gun in violation of the federal firearm law can be punished by a fine, jail time for up to ten years, or both.5 For more information, see our Federal Gun Laws page.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-6-803.5(2)(a)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-501(1)(a.5)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-108
4 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401(1)(a)(V)(A), (1)(a)(III)(A), (1)(a)(V.5)(A)
5 18 USC § 924(a)(2)

What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?

Before purchasing a gun from a licensed firearm dealer, all buyers must undergo a criminal background check that is processed through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The National Instant Criminal Background Check System is used by federal firearms licensees (FFLs), such as firearms dealers or pawnbrokers, to instantly determine whether someone is eligible to receive (own, possess, transport) firearms or explosives.1 If the abuser has a qualifying protection order against him/her, or has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor in any state, those records should be in the NICS, which should prevent the abuser from legally buying a gun. Not all states have automated record keeping systems, making it more difficult to process the criminal background check, and some criminals and abusers do slip through the system. Also, it is important to know that background checks are not required for private and online gun sales and so in those situations, the seller is not looking in the NICS.

If the abuser is able to purchase a gun and you believe that s/he should not be able to have one under the law, you can alert the police, and ask that his/her gun be taken away and perhaps the police will investigate. Generally, it is not a good idea to assume that because the abuser was able to buy a gun, it is legal for him/her to have one.

1National Criminal Justice Reference Service website

More Information and Where to Get Help

I do not have an order of protection against the abuser and s/he has not been convicted of a crime. Can s/he have a gun?

Under Colorado state law, if an adult is not otherwise prohibited from having a gun because of a protection order or certain convictions, generally s/he can have handguns and long rifles without a special permit. Furthermore, those firearms can be openly carried, with a few exceptions.1

Colorado law also allows an adult to have a gun without a permit, even if it’s concealed, if the person is on his/her own property, in his/her home or place of business, or in a private car or vehicle.2 Any gun other than a pistol or revolver that’s in a car is supposed to be unloaded.3

However, a permit is required to carry a concealed handgun anywhere else.4 Even if you don’t have a protective order that prohibits the abuser from having a gun and the abuser has not been convicted of any crime, s/he will still be denied a state permit to carry a concealed handgun if s/he:

  • is not a legal resident of Colorado;
  • is younger than twenty-one years of age;
  • chronically and habitually abuses alcohol unless a substance abuse counselor swears that the person is in recovery and has been sober for at least three years;
  • unlawfully uses or is addicted to drugs;
  • has an extreme risk protection order against him/her; or
  • fails to demonstrate competence with a handgun.5 

Note: Even if someone applying for a concealed carry permit meets all of the eligibility requirements, the sheriff may still deny the permit if, based on the applicant’s previous behavior, the sheriff has a reasonable belief that s/he would likely be a danger to himself/herself or others if the permit were granted.6

Also, a person under 18 is not allowed to possess a gun at any time unless s/he is on land that is controlled by his/her parent, legal guardian, or grandparent and the minor has the adult’s permission. There are some exceptions when a minor can carry a gun, such as when hunting.7 To read the complete list of prohibitions and exceptions, go to our Selected Colorado Statutes page and see section 18-12-108.5.

If the abuser is allowed to have a gun, you can still make a plan for your safety.  See our Safety Tips page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help.  You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long-term or for a little while - might help improve your safety.

For additional information on gun laws in Colorado, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

1 See Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105(2)(a), (2)(b)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-6-125
4 Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-105(1)(b), (2)(c); 18-12-214; 18-12-203
5 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(e), (1)(f), (1)(g)(IV), (1)(h)
6 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203(2)
7 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-108.5

The abuser uses a gun for his/her job. Does the law still apply?

Colorado state law says it is illegal for someone to possess a firearm if s/he is on probation after being convicted of a crime that involved domestic violence. However, an exception can be made for someone whose job requires the use of a firearm if the judge believes that the victim and his/her child would not be endangered and the gun is not stored in the defendant’s home.1

For more information, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate in your area.  To find one, please go to our CO Advocates and Shelters page.

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-204(2)(b)(IV)

I read through all of this information and I'm still confused. What can I do?

Trying to understand both federal and state law can be confusing, but there are people out there who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law.

  • You can contact the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to get more information about the federal firearm law and how it applies to you: 1-800-903-0111 x 2.
  • You can write to our Email Hotline.
  • You can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area - see our CO Advocates and Shelters page.