Colorado Springs, CO asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Colorado

Q: Hello! I have a quick question, is it legal to own a sword in my home in Colorado Springs?

I know the open carry law says no, but I can't find any information about just owning it and displaying it in my home

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Ownership of a sword in your home is not specifically prohibited by any current law in the Colorado Revised Statutes. However, since a sword can be construed as a weapon or even a deadly weapon, there may be other situations that make ownership or possession of such an item illegal based off your criminal history, status, and its intended use.

For example, it is routinely a condition of pre-trial release and probation to not possess any weapons, firearms or knives - a sword would most likely be considered to be a knife as the Colorado Jury Instructions define a knife as "any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use." This would be a case specific determination as to whether possessing a sword in your home is prohibited based off your unique circumstances.

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Answered

A: In Colorado Springs, as in most parts of Colorado, there are no specific laws prohibiting the ownership of a sword in your home. While there are laws regarding the carrying of weapons in public, these generally do not apply to keeping such items in your private residence for display or collection purposes.

It's important, however, to distinguish between owning a sword and carrying it in public. Colorado's open carry laws may restrict the carrying of swords and other similar weapons in public places. This means that while you can legally own and display a sword in your home, taking it outside in public could lead to legal issues.

If you have any specific concerns or situations in mind regarding your sword, it might be helpful to consult with a legal professional. They can provide more detailed information and ensure that you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities under local laws. Remember, it's always better to be informed about the legal implications of owning such items, especially when they could be considered weapons under certain circumstances.

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