How Serious are Gun Crimes in Denver?

Gun crimes in Denver have seen an increase in recent years. For example, in 2020 there were 82 gun-related homicides in Denver, which is a 42% increase since 2019. When it comes to 2021, there were 96 homicides which is the highest number recorded since 1981.

While 2023 is still underway, there are already 31 homicides related to gun crimes, but the good news is that this number is lower than the first part of last year. Gun violence remains a serious issue in Denver, and various measures were implemented to address these issues.

However, since these types of crimes are such a hot topic now, you can easily be accused of various weapons charges. If you face any gun crime charges in Denver, you should speak with a Denver gun crime lawyer right away. These lawyers can help you get your charges dropped or help you receive a lighter sentence. Here is what you should know about Denver gun crimes.

Gun Laws in Denver, Colorado

Your right to possess a firearm is protected by your Second Amendment rights. However, you also must abide by Colorado’s state laws that regulate both the purchasing and ownership of firearm possession.

These systems were put in place to prioritize public safety and stimulate responsible gun owners’ rights. Once you own a gun, you must abide by the safe storage guidelines and background check requirements when you purchase it.

Some types of guns are completely outlawed, or other laws come into play that you should be aware of. For example, you can’t carry a concealed weapon anywhere, and when you do, you also need to have a properly authorized concealed carry permit in Colorado.

Another important aspect to remember when it comes to these weapons is that they need to have a firearm serial number to be regulated. If this serial number was tampered with, you might face some legal issues, but with a lawyer by your side, there are still some things that you can do to challenge these charges. In Denver, Colorado, some of the most common gun crime charges include:

  • Firing a firearm recklessly
  • Possessing a defaced firearm
  • Unlawful possession of a machine gun
  • Unauthorized firearm possession
  • Having an explosive charge
  • Illegal discharge of a permitted firearm

If you face any of these or others related to gun charges, you should speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Gun crimes are frowned upon more than other types of crimes due to the controversy surrounding them. Here is how a lawyer can help you out.

Facing Gun Charges in Denver

No matter what type of gun crime you are accused of in Denver, it falls on the prosecutor’s shoulders to prove without a reasonable doubt that you were aware of the regulations you broke. These can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, like knowingly possessing a firearm with its serial number tampered with or entering a building with a concealed weapon with the intent to harm or intimidate and others.

Regardless of the charges, your lawyer will build you a defense tailored to your cases’ particularities. With their help, you will either have the charges dismissed or receive lesser penalties. Contact a lawyer right away and fight for your rights!