Martial arts enthusiasts often practice or train with nunchucks (also known as nunchakus) and throwing stars to hone their martial arts skills. Others enjoy working with nunchucks to improve their dexterity and eye/hand coordination. While these accessories can be fun to practice with, there are situations when their use could lead to weapons charges.

Colorado has no statute prohibiting their possession in your home or on your property, but you could face a weapons charge in certain circumstances. According to state criminal code, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly aim, throw or swing nunchucks or throwing stars at a person or to knowingly possess nunchucks or throwing stars in public.

If you have the authorization to demonstrate or exhibit these items in public, you will not face any charges. You may also use them in connection with an educational program with proper authorization. However, take care to transport them inside an inaccessible container to avoid criminal charges.

What else do you need to know?

If you have already been convicted of crimes involving these items, you face a class five felony conviction for any subsequent arrests within five years. As you might expect, such a conviction could result in a prison sentence and costly fines.

Those arrested on weapons offenses involving nunchucks, throwing stars or any other item that could be considered a weapon under the law should consider mounting a defense as early as possible, especially when facing felony charges. Guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney can play a critical role in avoiding a conviction on weapons charges.