Defacing a Firearm – Colorado Law – § 18-12-104 CRS

CRS 18-12-104 is the Colorado law that makes it a class 1 misdemeanor to deface a firearm’s serial number or identifying information. The punishment includes

• up to 364 days in jail and/or
• up to $1,000 in fines.

The language of CRS 18-12-104 states:

A person commits a class 1 misdemeanor if such person knowingly removes, defaces, covers, alters, or destroys the manufacturer’s serial number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark of a firearm.

Is it a crime to deface a firearm?

Yes. CRS 18-12-104 prohibits knowingly

• removing,
• defacing,
• covering,
• altering, and/or
• destroying

a firearm’s serial number, distinguishing number, or identification mark.¹

Note that this is a separate crime from possession of a defaced firearm (CRS 18-12-103).

What are the penalties for violating CRS 18-12-104?

Knowingly defacing a firearm is a class 1 misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of:

• Up to 364 days in jail, and/or
• A fine of up to $1,000.²

Note that the penalties for possession of a defaced firearm under CRS 18-12-103 are also:

• Up to 364 days in jail, and/or
• A fine of up to $1,000.³

How do I fight the charges?

Defacing a firearm is a much less common charge than possessing a defaced firearm. However, if you are charged with doing the actual defacing, four possible defenses include:

1. You did not knowingly remove the serial number,
2. The serial number was still visible,
3. The serial number was worn down due to normal wear or tear, or
4. The gun was found during an illegal search and seizure.

Colorado Legal Defense Group
140 E 19th Avenue, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 222-0330

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