You have probably heard of criminal charges such as "assault with a deadly weapon" or "menacing with a deadly weapon." When you hear the term "deadly weapon," you may instinctively think of a rifle or grenade. While those certainly do count as dangerous weaponry used for violent purposes, the definition of a deadly weapon does not stop with them.

In fact, according to Colorado gun and weapon laws, virtually any object, device, substance, material or instrument could be a dangerous weapon if used in a violent or threatening manner. Read more for examples of deadly weapons.

Weapons designed for injury

Of course, deadly weapons can include objects designed to result in injuries or easily used for that purpose. This includes firearms such as:

• Rifles
• Pistols
• Revolvers
• Handguns
• Shotguns

This classification of weapons may also include brass knuckles, combat knives, daggers and swords. All of these instruments include designs for the purpose of causing physical harm or death.

Objects used as weapons

People can use ordinary objects to cause fear or violence, including:

• Cars, motorcycles or other motor vehicles
• Baseball bats, golf clubs and other sports gear
• Pencils, scissors, shaving razors and other sharp instruments

Of course, courts only consider these items as deadly weapons if a person uses them in a particular way.

Crimes associated with deadly weapons

In certain cases, simply possessing a weapon could be a crime. This includes highly dangerous weapons such as machine guns or bombs. Other times, it may simply depend on the way you use the object. If you threaten a person or place them in fear of imminent injury, you may face a menacing charge. Use of a deadly weapon is often a factor in assault, domestic violence and murder charges.

This is some basic information concerning deadly weapons. If you need help understanding deadly weapon laws or are facing a criminal charge, talk to an attorney.