Colorado criminal charge
Prohibited use of weapons in Colorado
Prohibited use of weapons is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-12-106. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-12-106.
What is the penalty for prohibited use of weapons in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 120 days (no statutory minimum) (Aiming, swinging, throwing, or possessing throwing star or nunchaku — A person knowingly aims, swings, or throws a throwing star or nunchaku at another person, or knowingly possesses one in a public place, outside authorized demonstration, exhibition, or school instruction exceptions.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to 750 usd (no statutory minimum) (Aiming, swinging, throwing, or possessing throwing star or nunchaku — A person knowingly aims, swings, or throws a throwing star or nunchaku at another person, or knowingly possesses one in a public place, outside authorized demonstration, exhibition, or school instruction exceptions.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).
How is prohibited use of weapons classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiming, swinging, throwing, or possessing throwing star or nunchaku | class 2 misdemeanor | A person knowingly aims, swings, or throws a throwing star or nunchaku at another person, or knowingly possesses one in a public place, outside authorized demonstration, exhibition, or school instruction exceptions. | 18-12-106(2)(a) |
Common questions about prohibited use of weapons in Colorado
Is prohibited use of weapons a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
Prohibited use of weapons is a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-12-106.
Aiming, swinging, throwing, or possessing throwing star or nunchaku: class 2 misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-12-106(2)(a))
What are the penalties for prohibited use of weapons in Colorado?
Penalties for prohibited use of weapons in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a class 2 misdemeanor up to a class 2 misdemeanor — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers prohibited use of weapons?
Prohibited use of weapons is governed by C.R.S. § 18-12-106 (Prohibited use of weapons - definitions).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.