Colorado has changed how it handles theft cases involving guns, and the consequences are much more serious than many people realize. Under a new law, stealing a firearm is no longer treated like ordinary theft. Instead, it is now a separate felony offense, regardless of the gun’s value.
If you live in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Milliken, Johnstown, Eaton, La Salle, Firestone, or anywhere in Weld County, this law can have life-changing consequences if you are accused of taking or possessing a firearm that does not belong to you.
Greeley Theft Attorney: What’s Different About the New Firearm Theft Law?
In the past, Theft charges in Colorado were based largely on the monetary value of the item taken. A firearm was treated the same as any other piece of property and its price tag determined whether the case was a misdemeanor or felony.
That approach is gone.
Colorado now has a stand-alone crime for the Theft of a Firearm, meaning:
- Any theft involving a firearm is automatically a felony
- The value, age, or condition of the gun does not matter
- Prosecutors no longer need to argue over how much the firearm was worth
This change gives Weld County prosecutors much more leverage in firearm-related theft cases.
What Counts as “Theft of a Firearm” in Erie and Evans?
You can be charged under the new law if law enforcement believes you knowingly:
- Took a firearm without permission, or
- Exercised control over a firearm knowing, or having reason to know, that it was stolen
These cases often involve situations such as:
- A firearm taken from a vehicle
- A gun removed from a home, garage, or shop
- Keeping a firearm that belongs to someone else
- Not returning a borrowed firearm
- Disputes between family members, roommates, or former partners
Many people charged under this law never thought they were committing a felony.
How Serious Is the New Colorado Theft of a Firearm Charge? A Weld County Defense Attorney Explains
Theft of a Firearm is a class 6 felony under Colorado law.
A felony conviction can result in:
- Possible jail or prison time
- Mandatory parole
- Substantial fines
- A permanent criminal record
In addition, a felony conviction can affect:
- Gun ownership rights
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- Professional licenses
Even when no one is injured and the firearm is recovered, the charge alone can have lasting consequences.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Firearm Theft Cases
In real life, Firearm Theft cases are often messy and emotionally charged. Common fact patterns include:
- Breakups or divorces involving shared property
- Arguments over inherited firearms
- Guns left in shared vehicles
- Misunderstandings about permission or ownership
- One person accusing another out of anger or retaliation
Under the new law, prosecutors can still file felony charges even when ownership is disputed or the situation is unclear.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Theft of a Firearm, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Filip Szyller