Being charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO) is one of the most serious gun-related offenses under Colorado law and law enforcement in Weld County takes these cases very seriously. Even if you never used the weapon or didn’t know it was nearby, you could be facing felony charges that carry significant prison time and long-term consequences.
At O’Malley Law Office, our Weld County criminal defense team has successfully defended clients in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Frederick, Firestone, Erie, Fort Lupton, and Dacono, as well as throughout Northern Colorado. Here’s what you should know if you or a loved one has been accused of POWPO in this area.
Greeley Possession of Weapons by Previous Offender Attorney: What Is POWPO Under Colorado Law?
Under C.R.S. § 18-12-108, a person commits Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender when they knowingly possess, use, or carry a firearm or other prohibited weapon after having been previously convicted of a felony or certain juvenile offenses.
You can be charged with POWPO if:
- You have a prior felony conviction, or
- You were adjudicated delinquent for a felony-level juvenile offense, and
- You are found in possession (actual or constructive) of a firearm or weapon.
In other words, even if the weapon wasn’t in your hands, if police believe it was under your control, you could still face a POWPO charge.
How Weld County Law Enforcement Handles POWPO Cases
Weld County law enforcement agencies, including the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, Greeley Police Department, and local departments in Evans, Frederick, Firestone, Erie, and Windsor, actively investigate and prosecute weapon-related offenses.
These cases are typically filed in the Weld County District Court located in Greeley. The local prosecutors are known for pursuing these charges aggressively, which makes it even more important to have an experienced Weld County criminal defense lawyer by your side as early as possible.
Penalties for POWPO in Milliken, Johnstown and Across Weld County
POWPO is a felony offense in Colorado. The level of felony depends on the nature of your previous conviction:
- Class 6 Felony – If your prior conviction was for a non-violent felony
➤ Punishable by 12 to 18 months in prison and up to $100,000 in fines - Class 5 Felony – If your prior conviction was for a violent crime
➤ Punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines
A conviction can also result in:
- Permanent loss of gun rights
- A lasting criminal record
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Probation or parole violations if you are already under supervision
Why Choose a Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing a POWPO charge in Weld County means going up against experienced prosecutors who handle these cases every day. You need someone who knows the local courts, the judges, and the unique procedures used in Greeley’s Weld County District Court.
We have deep experience defending clients accused of serious felonies throughout Weld County and Northern Colorado. We understand what’s at stake, your freedom, your record, and your future, and we fight to protect all three.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender, 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.
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