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Open carry laws vs concealed carry in Colorado create rules that gun owners must follow. At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, we provide strong legal help to people facing gun charges. The main difference is simple—open carry means your gun is visible, while concealed carry means it's hidden.
Our team helps clients who face charges of not understanding state law, federal law, and local ordinances. Let's look at what you need to know about carrying a firearm in Colorado.
Colorado gun laws create different rules for carrying firearms. Knowing these laws helps you avoid legal problems and carry your gun legally in public spaces.
Colorado open carry means carrying a visible firearm that others can see. Colorado permits open carry of firearms in most areas, no permit required. You must be at least 18 years old to carry a handgun, with some exceptions for hunting openly.
Not everyone can legally open carry. People with felony or domestic violence convictions, along with other banned individuals, are not allowed to carry firearms openly. While state law allows open carry, local ordinances in certain cities like Denver place additional restrictions on this right.
Some public spaces allow open carry, but private businesses can ban firearms by posting signs at public entrances.
Concealed carry means carrying a hidden firearm. In Colorado, a concealed carry permit is required to carry a weapon, unlike open carry, which doesn’t need one. The local sheriff's office must give permits to qualified people who meet all requirements.
In Colorado, you need to be 21, complete a handgun course, pass a background check, and meet eligibility rules for a concealed carry permit.
Always carry your permit when carrying your concealed weapon. Colorado has agreements with many states, allowing permit holders to carry their concealed firearms in those states, too. Check which states honor Colorado's permits before traveling.
Understanding Colorado's gun laws, including state and local rules, helps you know where and when you can carry. These rules differ between open and concealed carry in certain situations.
With open carry, you can generally carry your firearm in:
Private property owners can ban open or concealed carry on their property. Always respect these rules to avoid trespassing charges.
With a valid concealed carry permit, you can carry in more places than with open carry. For example, you can bring a concealed firearm into restaurants that serve alcohol (but cannot drink while carrying).
Vehicle rules also differ. Without a permit, an openly carried firearm must be visible in your vehicle. With a concealed carry permit, you can keep your weapon hidden. Public transportation facilities often have their own rules about firearms.
Colorado gun laws include specific rules for assault weapons that affect both open and concealed carry. The state defines assault weapons based on features like detachable magazines and pistol grips. These laws apply to open carry in Colorado and concealed carry alike.
Colorado limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds for guns bought after July 1, 2013. Having larger magazines can lead to serious consequences, even if you legally own the firearm. These restrictions apply to both open and concealed carry. Certain locations, such as government buildings, have additional rules about firearm possession.
Recent changes to state or federal law now require background checks for all gun sales, including private transfers. Prohibited individuals, like a convicted felon or anyone legally prohibited from firearm possession, cannot buy guns. Age requirements also play a role in who can carry. Always stay informed about current regulations when carrying a firearm openly or concealed to avoid possessing a prohibited weapon.
Getting your concealed carry permit involves several steps. Understanding each step makes the process easier for responsible gun owners who want to obtain concealed carry permits.
To get a concealed weapon permit in Colorado:
Processing takes up to 90 days, though many counties finish faster. Your permit will be valid for five years. To renew, apply at least 120 days before it expires and pay the renewal fee.
The background check for a concealed carry permit is more detailed than for buying a gun. The sheriff's office checks your:
Things that disqualify you include:
If denied, you can appeal within 30 days by sending a written request to the sheriff. If that fails, you can take the case to court, where we can fight for your right to carry a weapon.
Even with permits, some places ban firearms completely. These rules vary based on whether you're carrying openly or have a concealed carry permit.
Colorado law prohibits carrying firearms in:
Private businesses can ban firearms by posting notices. Concealed carry permit holders face fewer restrictions but still cannot bring weapons onto federal property. National parks follow federal rather than state rules about firearms.
Loaded guns are generally prohibited in some areas, even with permits. Signs banning weapons on private property or businesses have legal weight in Colorado.
Colorado has a law that generally stops local governments from creating stricter gun rules than state law. However, Denver and other "home rule" cities have created local firearm restrictions.
Denver bans open carry completely within city limits despite Colorado being an open-carry state. Other cities have rules about carrying in parks and city buildings.
When traveling through Colorado, research the rules of each area you'll visit. Local jurisdictions can change their rules quickly. Some cities require specific permits or have waiting periods for gun sales.
Breaking firearm rules in Colorado leads to serious consequences. From misdemeanors to felony charges, the penalties vary based on the violation.
Common mistakes include:
If charged with illegal firearm possession in Colorado, penalties can include:
At Perlman Defense, we recommend getting legal help right away if facing weapons charges. Early help lets us check if the police followed proper procedures during your arrest.
We help with various firearms charges and understand Colorado gun laws. We offer case reviews to assess your situation and build a strong defense.
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, we focus on firearms law and defending gun owners' rights. Our team stays updated on changing gun regulations to give you the best legal help.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case. Call us today or visit our website to schedule a meeting with one of our firearms defense attorneys. We understand that weapons charges can feel overwhelming, and we're here to guide you through the legal process.
We protect your Second Amendment rights while helping you understand Colorado's complex gun laws. Don't let confusion about carry laws put your freedom at risk—contact our team for the defense you deserve.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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