A frequent and high-risk question under Colorado law is whether a person may use deadly force — including a firearm — to protect property or a premises, such as a business, parking lot, yard, warehouse, or other controlled location.
The short, statute-based answer is clear:
No. Under Colorado law, deadly force may not be used solely to protect property or a premises.
Defense of Premises — CRS § 18-1-705
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-1-705 governs the use of physical force in defense of premises.
Under this statute, a person in lawful possession or control of a premises (such as an owner, tenant, or authorized agent) may use reasonable and appropriate physical force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent or terminate an unlawful trespass.
What CRS § 18-1-705 Allows
- Reasonable non-deadly force to stop or terminate trespass
- Physical intervention when proportionate to the threat presented
What CRS § 18-1-705 Does Not Allow
- Deadly force merely to protect a building, business, or land
- Use of a firearm solely because a subject refuses to leave or is unlawfully present
When Deadly Force May Be Used Under § 18-1-705
Deadly force is permitted only if:
- The use of force is independently justified under Colorado’s self-defense or defense-of-others law, or
- The defender reasonably believes the subject is committing or attempting to commit first-degree arson
Absent those conditions, deadly force is not justified for premises protection alone.
Defense of Property — CRS § 18-1-706
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-1-706 governs the use of physical force in defense of property.
This statute allows a person to use reasonable and appropriate physical force to prevent or stop:
- Theft
- Criminal mischief
- Criminal tampering involving property
Critical Limitation
CRS § 18-1-706 does not authorize deadly force to protect property.
Even when:
- Property damage is significant
- Theft is clearly intentional
- The subject is caught in the act
Deadly force remains unlawful unless the situation independently qualifies as defense of persons.
Colorado law does not permit lethal force to protect objects, regardless of their value.
Firearms and Deadly Force Under Colorado Law
A firearm is legally classified as deadly physical force. As a result:
- You may not discharge a firearm to stop theft, trespass, or vandalism
- You may not threaten deadly force solely to protect property
- You may not escalate to lethal force unless there is a reasonable belief of an imminent threat to human life or serious bodily injury
Colorado law consistently prioritizes human life over property interests.
When Deadly Force May Become Lawful
Deadly force may become justified at a premises or around property only when the situation transitions from property protection to lawful self-defense or defense of others.
This occurs when the defender has a reasonable belief that the subject’s actions present an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, and that lesser force would be inadequate, such as when:
- The subject is using or is about to use unlawful deadly physical force
- The subject’s actions indicate an immediate attempt to seriously injure or kill a person
- A burglary or robbery places occupants, employees, or customers in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death
- A violent felony is occurring in the defender’s presence and presents an immediate threat to human life
At that point, the legal justification is defense of persons, not defense of property — even though the incident occurs on or near property.
Common Misconceptions
“It’s my property, so I can defend it however I want.”
Incorrect. Property ownership does not grant authority to use deadly force under Colorado law.
“If a crime is happening, deadly force is justified.”
Incorrect. The crime must present an imminent threat to people, not merely property.
“Warning shots are legal to scare someone away.”
Dangerous and unlawful. Warning shots are not protected and often constitute reckless endangerment.
Q & A: Deadly Force, Firearms, and Property Protection in Colorado
Q: Can I use a firearm to protect my property in Colorado?
A: No. Colorado law does not allow the use of deadly force — including a firearm — solely to protect property. Under CRS § 18-1-706, only reasonable non-deadly force may be used to stop property crimes.
Q: What if a subject is trespassing on my business or land?
A: Under CRS § 18-1-705, you may use reasonable non-deadly force to stop or terminate an unlawful trespass. Deadly force is only justified if the situation escalates into lawful self-defense or involves a reasonable belief of first-degree arson.
Q: Can I shoot a subject who is stealing from my store or yard?
A: No. Theft alone does not justify deadly force in Colorado. Deadly force becomes lawful only if the subject presents an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person.
Q: Does the value of the property matter?
A: No. Colorado law does not consider the value of property when evaluating deadly force. Human life is legally prioritized over property interests.
Q: Can I fire a warning shot to scare a subject off my property?
A: No. Warning shots are not legally protected and may result in criminal charges and civil liability.
Q: What if the subject threatens me while on my property?
A: Verbal threats alone are insufficient. Deadly force requires a reasonable belief of an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury based on the subject’s actions, not words alone.
Q: Can deadly force be used to protect employees or customers at a business?
A: Yes, but only if the use of force meets Colorado’s self-defense standards. This is defense of persons, not defense of property.
Q: Does this apply differently to homes versus businesses?
A: Yes. Colorado has a separate statute governing unlawful entry into a dwelling. That law does not apply to businesses, parking lots, or general property.
Q: Can armed security use deadly force to protect property?
A: No. Armed security personnel are held to the same legal standards. Deadly force may only be used in lawful self-defense or defense of others — never solely to protect property or a premises.
Key Takeaways
- Deadly force may not be used solely to protect property or a premises
- Non-deadly force must be reasonable and proportional
- Firearms may only be used to defend people, not objects
- Imminence and reasonable belief are legally required
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class
If you live in Colorado and are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class
Self-Defense Insurance
Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison
Other Related Articles:
- When Is Deadly Force Legally Justified In Colorado?
- Is It Legal To Fire Warning Shots In Colorado?
- Can You Defensively Display a Firearm in Colorado?
- Do I Need Self Defense Insurance?
- Can You Carry A Firearm In Your Car In Colorado?
- Can You Carry A Firearm In Boulder?
- Can You Open Carry In Denver?
- How To Get Your Colorado CCW
Legal Disclaimer
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
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