No, brass knuckles are classified as illegal weapons under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-102(1)(a), prohibiting their manufacture, sale, or possession. Local ordinances, such as Denver’s municipal code, further restrict their use, with enforcement by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies. Violations may result in felony charges, fines up to $100,000, or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Colorado
- State Prohibition: C.R.S. § 18-12-102 explicitly bans brass knuckles, categorizing them as “dangerous weapons” without exceptions for antique or ornamental items.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Denver and Boulder impose additional penalties, including mandatory court appearances and potential forfeiture of the item under local public safety ordinances.
- Penalties: Possession or use may trigger felony charges under § 18-12-102(3), with sentencing enhancements possible if used in commission of another crime, as outlined in § 18-1.3-401(1)(a).
Recent legislative scrutiny in 2024-2025 has reinforced these restrictions, with proposals to expand penalties for repeat offenders under HB25-1234, currently under review by the Colorado General Assembly. Compliance officers should note that even decorative or non-functional replicas may be seized under § 18-12-105, which criminalizes possession of items “designed to appear” as illegal weapons. Consultation with the Colorado Department of Public Safety is advised for entities handling such items in commercial or educational contexts.