Combining alcohol and guns can result in the criminal charge of Prohibited Use of Weapons in Castle Rock and Douglas County. An Arapahoe County Sheriff deputy was recently convicted of this Prohibited Use of a Weapon and Driving Under the Influence for consuming alcohol while on duty. According to the report, fellow officers reported their suspicions that the deputy was intoxicated, as it was his responsibility to transport inmates to and from the courthouse. He was immediately arrested and booked. Even though the officer did not use his weapon, the fact that he had immediate possession of it while under the influence is what got him charged with this crime. 

Castle Rock Prohibited Use of a Weapon Lawyer: Definition of Prohibited Use of Weapons 

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Prohibited Use of Weapons – C.R.S. 18-12-106 – is: 

“A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if:

(a) He knowingly and unlawfully aims a firearm at another person; or

(b) Recklessly or with criminal negligence he discharges a firearm or shoots a bow and arrow; or

(c) He knowingly sets a loaded gun, trap, or device designed to cause an explosion upon being tripped or approached, and leaves it unattended by a competent person immediately present; or

(d) 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, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5). Possession of a permit issued under section 18-12-105.1, as it existed prior to its repeal, or possession of a permit or a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to part 2 of this article is no defense to a violation of this subsection (1).

(e) He knowingly aims, swings, or throws a throwing star or nunchaku or he knowingly possesses a throwing star or nunchaku in a public place.” 

Unlike with a DUI, this statute does state what level a person’s BAC should reach to qualify as under the influence. That makes the statute broad and easily charged. 

Sentence for Prohibited Use of Weapons in Highlands Ranch and Parker 

As a class 2 misdemeanor in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker, Prohibited Use of a Weapon is punishable by 3 to 12 months in the Douglas County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with Prohibited Use of Weapons, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future. 

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