Experienced Defense Lawyer for Colorado Weapons Charges

Weapons charges in Colorado carry serious legal consequences, even when no one is injured and the weapon is never used. A single allegation involving a firearm or other weapon can trigger felony charges, mandatory prison exposure, firearm prohibitions, and lasting damage to your rights and record. Prosecutors across Colorado pursue weapons cases aggressively, particularly when they appear alongside other criminal allegations.

At Pav Law, we defend individuals facing weapons charges throughout Colorado. We act early, analyze how the weapon was discovered, and challenge attempts to criminalize lawful possession or exaggerate the facts to justify harsher penalties.

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Understanding Weapons Charges in Colorado

Colorado law regulates who may possess weapons, how they may be carried, and when their presence can elevate other criminal charges. Weapons charges often arise even when the underlying conduct involves no violence.

Common weapons-related charges include:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon by a previous offender
• Illegal carrying or concealment allegations
• Prohibited weapon possession
• Use of a weapon in the commission of a crime
• Sentence enhancements based on alleged weapon involvement

Many weapons charges are based on technical details, not intent to cause harm.

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When Lawful Possession Becomes a Criminal Charge

Weapons cases often involve situations where a person believed they were acting lawfully. Charges may arise from:

• Traffic stops where firearms are discovered
• Searches following arrests on unrelated matters
• Probation or parole conditions restricting possession
• Confusion over firearm rights after prior convictions
• Allegations involving shared residences or vehicles

In many cases, the legality of the search or seizure determines whether the case survives at all.

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Weapons Enhancements and Why They Matter

Even when prosecutors do not charge a standalone weapons offense, they may seek sentence enhancements based on alleged weapon involvement. These enhancements can:

• Elevate misdemeanors to felonies
• Increase sentencing ranges
• Trigger mandatory prison terms
• Eliminate probation eligibility

Pav Law challenges whether a weapon was actually used, accessible, or connected to the alleged offense.

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Firearms and Prior Convictions

Colorado strictly regulates firearm possession by individuals with certain prior convictions. However, not all prior cases result in permanent firearm bans, and errors are common.

Weapons charges involving prior convictions often hinge on:

• The specific nature of the prior offense
• Whether rights were restored
• Knowledge and possession requirements
• Location and accessibility of the weapon

We examine these details closely to prevent wrongful convictions.

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Weapons Charges vs. Violent Crimes

Weapons charges do not require violence. A person can face serious penalties even when:

• No one was threatened
• No weapon was fired
• No injury occurred

Prosecutors sometimes use weapons allegations to add leverage to otherwise nonviolent cases. Pav Law pushes back against overcharging and speculative assumptions.

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Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

A weapons conviction in Colorado can result in:

• Prison or jail time
• Mandatory parole
• Permanent firearm prohibitions
• Felony criminal records
• Employment and housing barriers
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Even after a case ends, weapons convictions often carry lifelong consequences.

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Common Defenses to Weapons Charges

Weapons cases often hinge on possession, knowledge, and legality. Depending on the facts, Pav Law may focus on:

• Unlawful searches or seizures
• Lack of knowing possession
• Third-party ownership
• Lawful possession or restored rights
• Improper application of sentence enhancements
• Insufficient evidence connecting the weapon to the offense
• Constitutional violations

We force prosecutors to prove every element—not rely on fear or assumptions.

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Weapons Charges and Protection Orders

Weapons charges frequently intersect with criminal or civil protection orders, which may impose firearm surrender requirements. Violating these orders can result in new criminal charges.

Pav Law helps clients:

• Understand firearm restrictions tied to protection orders
• Comply without waiving rights
• Challenge improper or overly broad restrictions
• Defend against alleged violations

Handling firearm restrictions incorrectly can significantly worsen a case.

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How Pav Law Defends Weapons Cases Across Colorado

Our approach emphasizes early intervention and precision:

• We review how the weapon was discovered
• We analyze search warrants, stops, and seizures
• We examine possession and knowledge requirements
• We challenge enhancements and overcharging
• We prepare every case for trial if necessary

Weapons cases require careful, detail-driven defense. We treat them that way.

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Early Action Protects Your Rights

Weapons cases escalate quickly, especially when prosecutors pursue felony charges or enhancements. Early legal involvement allows us to:

• Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
• Prevent charge escalation
• Protect firearm rights when possible
• Shape negotiations early

Delay often limits options. Early action preserves them.

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