Weapons charges often conjure images of people with firearms, but guns aren't the only weapons with legal restrictions in Colorado. The state also has laws in place that restrict the ownership and carrying of knives in certain situations.

If you are like most knife owners in Colorado, your blades are probably work tools or essential for your hobbies, like fishing and hunting. You may like to carry them with you just in case you need them, or you might forget that you even have them in your pocket.

What kind of knives are illegal in Colorado?

Colorado law only bans the ownership of specific knives. Ballistic knives are considered illegal to own, and just possessing them is a Class 5 felony.

Any other knife is likely legal to own, at least on your own property. The only other restrictions on knives have to do with how and where you carry them.

What kind of knives can you carry in your pocket or otherwise concealed?

Colorado limits your right to carry a concealed knife. Openly carrying one, such as in a visible holster on your belt, is less legally problematic than putting it in your pocket.

In most cases, carrying a knife with a blade of more than three-and-a-half inches, especially in your pocket or otherwise concealed, could result in criminal charges.

The good news is that those accused of weapons offenses related to knives may be able to present an affirmative defense, especially if the charge is the result of an officer finding a knife during a search and not because it was used for any kind of criminal activity.  Anyone facing weapons charges should carefully examine their options for defense with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after their arrest.