Is it legal to set a booby trap at your home in Colorado?

In Colorado, it is unlawful to set a booby trap which is designed to cause bodily harm or death to any person entering upon one’s property. The Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 18-12-106, states that it is a Class 5 felony “for any person to knowingly set a spring gun, set trap, or other device, designed to cause bodily injury or death to any person entering upon such property.”

The language in the statute is clear: it is illegal to set a booby trap at a residence. Furthermore, it is also illegal to set a trap that may cause damage to another person’s property.

The penalties for setting a booby trap are significant. Under Colorado law, a Class 5 felony results in a mandatory prison sentence of one to three years. In addition, a fine of up to $100,000 may be imposed.

However, there are certain exceptions to the prohibition. For example, a homeowner may be legally permitted to set a booby trap if it is used to protect livestock from predators or to protect a home from trespassers. In such cases, the booby trap must be set in a manner that will not cause death or serious bodily harm.

In conclusion, while there may be limited circumstances where a booby trap may be legally set in Colorado, the legality of such an action is far from clear. It is therefore recommended that individuals consult an attorney prior to setting a booby trap on their property. Doing so may prevent an individual from being charged with a felony and save them from facing serious legal consequences.