Colorado

Colorado Permit Eligibility

A sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to an applicant who:

• Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado
• Is twenty-one years of age or older
• Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to state or federal law
• Has not been convicted of perjury in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a permit application
• Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant's normal faculties are impaired
• Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance
• Is not subject to a protection order or extreme risk protection order that is in effect at the time the application is submitted
• Demonstrates competence with a handgun by submitting a training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application. The applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. To the extent permitted by section 18-12-202 (5), in obtaining a training certificate from a handgun training class, the applicant shall have discretion in selecting which handgun training class to complete.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203 (1)

Colorado Training Requirements

1. A concealed handgun training class is any of the following:
   • A law enforcement training firearms safety course; or
   • A firearms safety course taught by a verified instructor and offered by a law enforcement agency; an institution of higher education; or a public or private institution, organization, or firearms training school, that is open to the general public and is taught by a verified instructor.
2. A concealed handgun training class must be held in person with the instructor of the class at the same location as the students, and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet. A concealed handgun training class must provide a minimum of eight hours of instruction, including the live-fire shooting exercise described in subsection (3)(g) of this section and the written concealed handgun competency exam described in subsection (3)(h) of this section. The eight hours of instruction in a course do not need to be consecutive. effective 07/01/25
3. A concealed handgun training class must include the following elements:
   • Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of firearms and ammunition;
   • Instruction regarding safe storage of firearms and child safety;
   • Instruction regarding safe firearms shooting fundamentals;
   • Instruction regarding federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms, including instruction on extreme risk protection orders described in article 14.5 of title 13, requirements for reporting lost or stolen firearms described in section 18-12-113, secure firearms storage requirements described in section 18-12-114, and any other state law enacted within five years before the class that pertains to the purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms; Instruction regarding state law pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense;
   • Instruction regarding best practices to ensure concealed handgun permit holders safely interact with law enforcement personnel who are responding to an emergency;
   • Instruction regarding techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force;
   • A requirement that a student achieve a minimum seventy percent accuracy score, as determined by the instructor, in a live-fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, which requires discharging at least fifty rounds of ammunition and which does not need to be conducted in a single day; and
   • A requirement that a student achieve a passing score of at least eighty percent on a written concealed handgun competency exam that tests a student's knowledge of the subjects described in subsections (3)(a) to (3)(f) of this section. The exam must be administered as an open book exam. effective 07/01/25
4. Effective 07/01/25:
   • A concealed handgun refresher class requires a student to demonstrate safety and competence with a handgun. A refresher class must be taught by a verified instructor and must include instruction on changes to federal and state laws related to firearms enacted within five years before the refresher class; a live-fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, which requires discharging at least fifty rounds of ammunition; and a written concealed handgun competency exam that tests a student's knowledge of the subjects described in subsections (3)(a) to (3)(f) of this section.
   • A refresher class must be held in person with the instructor of the class at the same location as the students, and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet. A refresher class must include at least two hours of instruction, including the live-fire exercise and the written exam. In order to complete a refresher class, a student must achieve a minimum seventy percent accuracy score, as determined by the instructor, in the live-fire shooting exercise and a passing score of at least eighty percent on the written exam. The exam must be administered as an open book exam.
   • A training certificate issued for the completion of a refresher class is valid for renewal of a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to section 18-12-211, but is not valid for an initial application for a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to section 18-12-203 (1)(h)(VI).

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-205

Colorado Training Certificates

A verified instructor shall provide a training certificate that includes the printed name and original signature of the class instructor to any student who completes a concealed handgun training class or a refresher class so that the student may submit the certificate to a sheriff as part of an initial application for, or an application for renewal of, a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The training certificate must clearly indicate whether the student completed a concealed handgun training class or a refresher class.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-202.5 (5)

Colorado Permit Application Process

An applicant shall complete the permit application form and return it, in person, to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides or to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant maintains a secondary residence or owns or leases real property used by the applicant in a business.

What to Take to the Sheriff’s Office:

1. The original “Certificate of Completion” from this course and a photocopy of the certificate
2. Completed Colorado application
3. A Colorado government-issued picture ID
4. A check or money order made payable to the Sheriff's Office (amounts vary by county – call in advance)
5. The sheriff will fingerprint you and take your photograph after you submit your application

Pursuant to C.R.S. 18-12-204 (1) (b), a permit is valid for a 5-year period after the date of issuance and can be renewed up to 120 days prior to expiration.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-205

Colorado is not a permitless-carry state.

Colorado Preemption Law

Prior to June 19, 2021, Colorado had strong preemption, which prohibited local jurisdictions from enacting additional areas that are off limits to firearms. Now, under current law, local jurisdictions have more authority to prohibit firearms in certain buildings and property. ​
​
A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education…may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district, including a building or facility managed pursuant to an agreement between the district and a contractor. ​

If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.​

​Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Private-Party Firearm Transfers

In Colorado, almost all firearm transfers between unlicensed persons must be processed by a licensed firearms dealer, subjecting the prospective purchaser to a background check. The only transfers that do not need to be done through dealers are:

• A bona fide gift or loan between immediate family members;
• A transfer that occurs by operation of law or because of the death of a person for whom the prospective transferor is an executor or administrator of an estate or a trustee of a trust created in a will;
• A transfer that is temporary and occurs while in the home of the unlicensed transferee if:
• The unlicensed transferee is not prohibited from possessing firearms; and
• The unlicensed transferee reasonably believes that possession of the firearm is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to the unlicensed transferee;
• A temporary transfer of possession without power of ownership or a title to ownership, which takes place:
• At a shooting range located in or on premises owned by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in firearms;
• At a target firearm shooting competition under the auspices of, or approved by, a state agency or a nonprofit organization; or
• While hunting, fishing, target shooting, or trapping if:
• Legal in all places where the unlicensed transferee possesses the firearm; and
• The unlicensed transferee holds any license or permit that is required for such activity;
• A transfer of a firearm that is made to facilitate the repair or maintenance of the firearm, except that all parties who possess the firearm as part of such transaction must be able to legally possess a firearm;
• Any temporary transfer that occurs while in the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm;
• A temporary transfer for not more than 72 hours. A person who makes such a temporary transfer may be jointly and severally liable for damages proximately caused by the transferee’s subsequent unlawful use of the firearm; or
• A member of the armed services who will be deployed outside of the U.S. in the next 30 days, to any immediate family member.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-112

Colorado Magazine Capacity Law

Effective July 1, 2013, a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Large Capacity Magazines: A large capacity magazine is defined as a device that accepts or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than fifteen rounds of ammunition. ​

A person may possess a large-capacity magazine if he or she: (I) Owns the large-capacity magazine on the effective date of this section; and (II) Maintains continuous possession of the large-capacity magazine. CO ST § 18-12-302.

The "continuous possession" exception is highly ambiguous and is currently the subject of more legislation. Out of state residents are advised not to transport a "large capacity magazine" through Colorado.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-302

"Large-Capacity Magazine"

As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires:(2)(a) "Large-capacity magazine" means:

(I) A fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting, or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
(II) A fixed, tubular shotgun magazine that holds more than twenty-eight inches of shotgun shells, including any extension device that is attached to the magazine and holds additional shotgun shells; or
(III) A nontubular, detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device that is capable of accepting more than eight shotgun shells when combined with a fixed magazine.

(b) "Large-capacity magazine" does not mean:

(I) A feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
(II) An attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or
(III) A tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-301

Places Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under Colorado Law:

1. Any of the following locations, including their adjacent parking areas:a. On the property of or within any building in which:
   • The chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or either house thereof, are located;
   • a legislative hearing or meeting of the general assembly is being conducted; or
   • The official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located;

   b. Unless permitted by a local government, as described in subsection (4)(b) of this section, on the property or within any building in which:

   • The chambers or galleries of a local government's governing body are located;
   • a meeting of a local government's governing body is being conducted; or
   • The official office of any elected member of a local government's governing body or of the chief executive officer of a local government is located; or

   c. a courthouse or any other building or portion of a building used for court proceedings. (This section does not apply to a person who holds a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun or a temporary emergency permit who is carrying a concealed handgun in the adjacent parking area of a location listed in this subsection.)

   Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.3

2. Public and private schools (A permittee may have a handgun on the real property of the public school so long as the handgun remains in his or her vehicle and, if the permittee is not in the vehicle, the handgun is in a compartment within the vehicle and the vehicle is locked)

   18-12-214(3)(a)

3. A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education, including the board of directors of the Auraria higher education center, may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction. If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.

   Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214​.

4. Any building where Security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance to the building.

   Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214​

5. Any public transportation facility (only a crime when done "without legal authority" - a permit would likely be legal authority, but unfortunately we can’t guarantee that).

   Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-9-118

6. Buildings With Metal Detectors: No person, regardless of a permit to carry a concealed handgun, may carry a concealed handgun into a public building at which security personnel and electronic screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance, each person entering the building is screened, and persons carrying weapons are required to leave them with security while in the building.

   Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104

7. It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h), within any polling location, or within one hundred feet of a drop box or any building in which a polling location is located, as publicly posted by the designated election official, on the day of any election or during the time when voting is permitted for any election. The designated election official responsible for any central count facility, polling location, or drop box involved in that election cycle shall visibly place a sign notifying persons of the one-hundred-foot no carry zone for firearms required pursuant to this section. It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h), within a central count facility, or within one hundred feet of any building in which a central count facility is located, during any ongoing election administration activity related to an active election conducted by the designated election official, as publicly posted by the designated election official.

   Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 1-13-724 (a) & (b)

8. A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education, including the board of directors of the Auraria higher education center, may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district, including a building or facility managed pursuant to an agreement between the district and a contractor.​
   • If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.

   Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Colorado Open Carry Law

Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm with or without a permit.

However, state law allows cities & counties to prohibit open carry in certain locations:

• A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 29-11.7-104​

For example, Denver generally prohibits the open carry of firearms:

• Sec. 38-118(b): Unlawful open carry of weapons. It shall be unlawful for any person to openly wear, carry, or transport any weapon on or about their person or vehicle.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 29-11.7-104​

Menacing with a Deadly Weapon

A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it is a class 5 felony if committed by the use of a firearm, knife, or bludgeon or a simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon.

Menacing with a deadly weapon can encompass the mere holding of a firearm. (People v. Hines, 780 P.2d 556 (Colo. 1989))

Actual subjective fear on behalf of the victim is not a necessary element. (People v. Stout, 193 Colo. 466, 568 P.2d 522 (1977))

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-3-206

Disorderly Conduct

A person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: Not being a peace officer, displays a real or simulated firearm, displays any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a firearm, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm and does alarm another person.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-106 (1) (f)

Colorado "No Weapons" Signs

A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area, the local government shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104

Colorado Consumption of Alcohol

A person commits a class 1 misdemeanor if:​

The person has in his or her possession a firearm while the person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a controlled substance. Possession of a permit…is no defense to a violation of this subsection

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-106

Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle

(1)(a) A person shall not knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view, including a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior, and the container is in any of the following:

• (I) A locked vehicle;
• (II) The locked trunk of a locked vehicle; or
• (III) A locked recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902.

(b) A person shall not knowingly leave a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is in a locked hard-sided or locked soft-sided container, including a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior, and the container is in any of the following:

• (I) A locked vehicle;
• (II) The locked trunk of a locked vehicle; or
• (III) A locked recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902.

(c) A firearm that is not a handgun that is stored in a soft-sided container must have a locking device installed on the firearm while the firearm is stored in the soft-sided container.

(d) For the purposes of this subsection (1), a locked glove compartment or the locked center console of a vehicle is a locked hard-sided container.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits unlawful storage of a firearm in a vehicle. Unlawful storage of a firearm in a vehicle is a civil infraction.

(3) This section does not apply to:

• (a) Storing an antique firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. sec. 921 (a)(16), as amended;
• (b) Storing a firearm that is a not a handgun in a vehicle that is being used for farm or ranch operations that is on the person's private farm or ranch, including a leased farm or ranch. As used in this subsection (3)(b), "farm" and "ranch" have the same meanings as set forth in section 39-1-102.
• (c) A person who lives in a vehicle or in a recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902, in which the firearm is stored. A person who lives in a vehicle or recreational vehicle must store firearms in the vehicle or recreational vehicle in accordance with the storage requirement described in section 18-12-114.
• (d) A peace officer;
• (e) A person who holds a valid resident or out-of-state hunting license who is engaged in lawful hunting activities;
• (f) A person engaged in the instruction of hunter education courses and outreach offered by the division of parks and wildlife; and
• (g) An active member of the United States armed forces while on duty.

(4) Notwithstanding the requirement in subsection (1) of this section to store a firearm in a locked hard-sided container, a person who is considered to have a disability, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 12102, who stores a firearm in a locked soft-sided container does not violate this section with respect to the storage of the firearm that is in the locked soft-sided container.

(5) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "vehicle" has the same meaning as set forth in section 42-1-102.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-114.5

Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

It is unlawful for any person, except a person authorized by law or by the division, to possess or have under the person's control any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of the firearm is unloaded. Any person in possession or in control of a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle shall allow any peace officer who is empowered and acting under the authority granted in section 33-6-101 to enforce articles 1 to 6 of this title 33 to inspect the chamber of any rifle or shotgun in the motor vehicle.

For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars and an assessment of fifteen license suspension points.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-6-125

Colorado state law requires that firearms be responsibly and securely stored when they are not in use to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. Unlawful storage of a firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-114

Unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun is a class 4 felony (§18-12-108.7(1)(b) C.R.S.). Unlawfully providing a firearm other than a handgun to a juvenile is a class 1 misdemeanor.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-108.7(3)

Additionally, licensed firearm retailers are required to post a notice of this requirement and provide locking mechanisms with each firearm transfer. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor with penalties of imprisonment or a fine up to $500.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-405

Interacting with Police

Colorado is a no-duty-to-inform state, which means you are under no legal obligation to affirmatively inform an officer of the presence of your firearm, and may not be under a legal obligation to respond if asked by the officer. As with any interaction with law enforcement, we encourage you to be respectful and courteous, while also preserving your constitutionally protected privacy rights in the manner you deem prudent. ​

• A peace officer may temporarily disarm a permittee, incident to a lawful stop of the permittee. The peace officer shall return the handgun to the permittee prior to discharging the permittee from the scene.

Although a person does not have a duty to inform an officer of a firearm or a Concealed Handgun Permit, permit holders should follow these guidelines while interacting with police:

• Keep your hands visible at all times.
• Comply fully with all instructions given by the officer.
• If you are asked if you have a firearm in your presence, it is recommended that you be
• completely truthful and cooperative.
• If asked, please advise the officer of the location of the firearm.
• Do not reach for your firearm/weapons or anything else unless instructed to do so.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Colorado "Red Flag" Law

A petition for an extreme risk protection order may be filed by a family or household member of the individual or a law enforcement officer or agency​

A family or household member or a law enforcement officer or agency may request a temporary extreme risk protection order without notice to the respondent by including in the petition for an extreme risk protection order an affidavit, signed under oath and penalty of perjury, supporting the issuance of a temporary extreme risk protection order that sets forth the facts tending to establish the grounds of the petition or the reason for believing they exist and, if the petitioner is a family or household member, attesting that the petitioner is a family or household member.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-14.5-103

Colorado Self-Defense Law

Except as provided below, a person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.​
​
Deadly physical force may be used only if a person reasonably believes a lesser degree of force is inadequate and:​

1. The actor has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, that he or another person is in imminent danger of being killed or of receiving great bodily injury; or​
2. The other person is using or reasonably appears about to use physical force against an occupant of a dwelling or business establishment while committing or attempting to commit burglary as defined in sections 18-4-202 to 18-4-204; or​
3. The other person is committing or reasonably appears about to commit kidnapping as defined in section 18-3-301 or 18-3-302, robbery as defined in section 18-4-301 or 18-4-302, sexual assault as set forth in section 18-3-402, or in section 18-3-403 as it existed prior to July 1, 2000, or assault as defined in sections 18-3-202 and 18-3-203.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704

Colorado does not have a law specific to the defense of others but does allow for the defense of a third person in its defense-of-person law.

Colorado “Castle Doctrine”

Use of deadly physical force against an intruder.​

1. The general assembly hereby recognizes that the citizens of Colorado have a right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.​
   
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18-1-704, any occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when that other person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling, and when the occupant has a reasonable belief that such other person has committed a crime in the dwelling in addition to the uninvited entry, or is committing or intends to commit a crime against a person or property in addition to the uninvited entry, and when the occupant reasonably believes that such other person might use any physical force, no matter how slight, against any occupant. ​
   
3. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from criminal prosecution for the use of such force.​
   
4. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from any civil liability for injuries or death resulting from the use of such force.
   force.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704.5

Colorado Defense of Property

A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the other person to commit theft, criminal mischief, or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another as described in section 18-1-704.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-706

[Insert state law in shadowbox]

OR

[State] does not have any laws specifically related to self-defense immunity.

Unlike many states, Colorado has no statute concerning the duty of a defendant to retreat (or not) before exercising self-defense. Instead, Colorado Courts have explored the application of the duty to retreat.​Colorado follows the doctrine of no-retreat, which permits non-aggressors who are otherwise entitled to use physical force in self-defense to do so without first retreating, or seeking safety by means of escape.​

Cassels v. People, 92 P.3d 951 (Colo. 2004)

Self-Defense Exclusions

A person is not justified in using physical force if: ​

1. With intent to cause bodily injury or death to another person, he provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that other person; or​
2. He is the initial aggressor; except that his use of physical force upon another person under the circumstances is justifiable if he withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person his intent to do so, but the latter nevertheless continues or threatens the use of unlawful physical force; or​
3. The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704

Colorado Law Changes July 1, 2025

• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.6 – Limitation on Local Ordinances Regarding Firearms in Private Vehicles
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-111 –   Unlawful Purchase of Firearms
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-113 – Failure to Report a Lost or Stolen Firearm
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-114.5 – Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203 – Criteria for Obtaining a Permit
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-211 – Renewal of Permits
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-214 – Authority Granted by Permit