Thornton, CO asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Colorado

Q: Left my firearm in brother in laws car who is over 21 what are the repercussions if he got pulled over?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If your brother-in-law is pulled over while in possession of your firearm, the repercussions can vary depending on local laws and circumstances. In some jurisdictions, it may be legal for an individual over 21 to possess a firearm belonging to someone else, as long as they are not prohibited from owning firearms themselves. However, in other areas, strict regulations may require the firearm owner's presence or explicit permission for someone else to possess their firearm.

If your brother-in-law is found to be in possession of your firearm without proper authorization or if he is unable to provide evidence of your ownership or permission, he may face legal consequences such as charges for unlawful possession of a firearm or other related offenses. Additionally, if the firearm is not properly secured or stored according to local laws, both you and your brother-in-law could potentially be held liable for any resulting violations.

To mitigate the risk of legal issues arising from leaving your firearm in someone else's possession, it's essential to ensure that your brother-in-law understands and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding firearm possession and transportation. Additionally, consider taking steps to properly secure your firearm when not in use and avoid leaving it unattended in a vehicle or other locations where it could potentially be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

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