Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5, is charged in Greeley, CO when a juvenile under 18 years old has a handgun in their possession. Sadly, it is not uncommon for this crime to be charged along with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon on School Grounds, C.R.S. 18-12-105.5. Given the danger that a teenager in possession of a handgun poses – especially at school – it is a crime for any person under 18 to possess a pistol, revolver, or other handgun. This does not mean, however, that a teenager cannot shoot a gun (under certain circumstances) – it just means that they cannot possess one. If your child has been charged with Possession of Handguns, don’t wait. Contact a top criminal defense lawyer to represent them at the Weld County Court today.
Colorado’s Law on Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5 in Greeley
Colorado’s law on Possession of Handguns by Juveniles, C.R.S. 18-12-108.5, is as follows in Greeley:
The key word in this law is “possession.” Here, possession is defined by having control over the gun. For example, a teen would be in possession of a handgun if he has one in his backpack at school, because they can exercise control over the gun. A juvenile would also be in possession of a gun if there is a firearm at home, they know where it is, they can easily access it, and their parents have not given them permission to access or use the gun.
When Can Juveniles Use Handguns in Fort Lupton and Evans?
Colorado’s law does not bar juveniles from using handguns in Fort Lupton and Evans – it just prohibits possession. Some instances of when juveniles may lawfully use handguns under C.R.S. 18-12-108.5 (2) include:
- Shooting targets at an established range.
- Taking part in an organized shooting competition.
- Attending a firearms safety course.
What are the Penalties for Juvenile Possession of Handguns at the Weld County Court?
Juvenile Possession of Handguns is a class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense, but escalates to a class 5 felony for the second or subsequent offense at the Weld County Court. Penalties for adjudication may include:
- Probation or detention at the Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley
- A fine
- A mental health evaluation
- Mental health treatment
- Classes on decision-making
Given that this crime goes hand-in-hand with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon on School Grounds, C.R.S. 18-12-105.5, these penalties can increase all the more if your child has been charged with both offenses. Carrying a gun onto school grounds is a class 5 felony, regardless of whether the juvenile has had any prior convictions.
Contact a Top Greeley Juvenile Firearm Crimes Lawyer Today
If your child has been charged for illegally possessing a handgun, don’t wait – contact a top Greeley juvenile firearm crimes lawyer today. Given the gravity of this crime, detention at Platte Valley and other penalties are a real possibility if your child is adjudicated (convicted). At a time where your teen may be applying to schools and trying to find their first job, their future is especially precarious. Give us a call to talk to one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys, and together, we can protect your child’s future.
Has your child been charged with Possession of Handguns by Juveniles? Help them to be smart, and exercise their right to remain silent. Do not let the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff talk to them without a criminal defense attorney present. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss your child’s case with a top criminal defense lawyer today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov