Letter to my Local Sheriffs Office. Please critique befor I send it.

[Nightwing]

Will be sending this to my local law enforcement to make sure I'm "in the know".

Please tell me if there's anything to add, subtract, or embelish in this letter.
Thanks THR

To Whom it may concern:

I am writing to get more information on the Open Carry of a Firearm in Adams county, and the State of Colorado. I'm interested in the statues that would define the actions that are legal, and the actions that are NOT.
Let me preface the entirety of this letter with the fact that I am planning on taking my Concealed Carry class this summer and applying for my license. I do understand that a firearm is not to be treated like a weapon or an instrument of intimidation. I understand that a gun that seldom requires use in law enforcement, and then even much less for private armed citizens. I intend to carry this firearm with the greatest sense of responsibility, and the greatest efforts of safety. I carry this firearm with the desire and expectation that I will never have any need to even lay my hand on the grip. I see my firearm as nothing but a tool. Not a tool of violence. Not a tool of vigilante actions. Just a tool that is very rarely needed, but can save a life in dire situations.
With the choice to carry a firearm I have also taken precautions to make sure I am not a risk to myself, or others. I keep my firearm clean. I keep it in a fitted holster that is fully exposed, and secures the firearm properly to my hip. I do NOT keep a round chambered. I do NOT put my finger anywhere near the trigger unless I intend to fire the gun at that moment. I have taken instruction from many others with long standing firearm experience, and honed my skills at an indoor range, and will continue to do so throughout my future. I have a system of accountability set up with other friends who are aware I will be carrying a firearm. And above ALL, I am accountable to the laws and statutes that lay out the map of how to behave as a responsible armed citizen.
Why the long introduction? Simply an effort to reassure you that I am a responsible individual wishing to stay within the guidelines of city, county, state and federal law.
Any information you could provide to me on what is and what is not acceptable behavior or etiquette for a person wishing to openly carry a firearm in the great state of Colorado, would be appreciated.
I understand that I have the right to walk out my front door today and carry a firearm openly, but I am not willing to be the person that takes that action and does not know what his limitations and rights are.
Once again, I appreciate and and all information you can provide to me. Also, I wish to state that I do appreciate the service you offer as my local Law Enforcement. You are truly local heroes, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the peace of mind you give to myself and my family. I also appreciate you taking the time to read this letter, and to respond accordingly. Thank you, sincerely.

God Bless America,

Joel Lindow

 

[tinygnat219]

They will probably tell you to contact the State Attorney General's office. Just copy and paste your letter into one for them and they will send you guidance (or lack thereof).

 

[RLsnow]

gah, the more time i spend on THR the more aware i become of my inhability to write formal letters

looks good to me though might be just a little bit, eh, overdone? XD

nah looks good.

 

[Nightwing]

well... I'm 27. Barely passed through High school. I was always "world smart" and can do about anything in real life, but did HORRIBLE in the education system. But for some reason....I can write a damn letter!!! (on those rare occasions that i actually need to, that is)

 

[kingpin008]

I'm gonna agree with Gnat - save yourself the trouble and just send the letter to the AG. Cops oftentime don't have the depth of knowledge as to the specifics of every law, especially when it comes down to carrying/open carrying. Best to ask someone who specializes in the minutiae every day, and can better answer your question.

*BTW - my comments are in no way meant to demean the role of police, just to state a simple fact - cops have to have a working "street knowledge" of the laws, whereas lawyers are much more likely to be able to give you a step-by-step breakdown.*

Also - I would shorten it up a bit. IMHO, the long intro isn't necessary, since they probably won't care. As long as you pass the licensing requirements, in their eyes you're responsible - it's not worth writing a whole speil to reassure them. It'll also make their day easier and probably get you a more concise answer if they don't have to wade through non-essential details before reaching the actual question. Short and sweet is the way to go.

 

[Blackfork]

Letter to Sherriffs

I cut back on the justification for carrying firearms, or the description of why, how, et, et. Just cut to the chase and ask them to define what they think the law is.



To Whom it may concern:

I am writing to get more information on the Open Carry of a Firearm in Adams county, and the State of Colorado. I'm interested in the statues that would define the actions that are legal, and the actions that are not legal.

I am a responsible individual wishing to stay within the guidelines of city, county, state and federal law.

I also appreciate you taking the time to read this letter, and to respond accordingly. Thank you, sincerely.

God Bless America,

Joel Lindow

 

[nplant]

Overdone was the word I was searching for. If you're asking for information about legality of whatever, I'd write instead to the AG of Colorado, and your local district attorney. Those would be the ones that will be able to give you legal counsel, the Sheriff's office will likely tell you that they don't want you carrying openly for some reason.

If you're dead-set on sending this letter to the Sheriff, I'd cut out anything extraneous regarding your method of carry, your mindset, etc. and stick to the facts. I hate to even mention this, but if later on you should in fact have to use your weapon in self-defense, a letter like that could get you into trouble. Better to write a letter detailing your understanding of the issues, and send it to yourself via certified mail, and then stick it in a safe somewhere to be opened only in case of a trial.

In general, though, I think you're smart to get something in writing regarding open carry. It could save you a ton of headaches.

Good luck.

 

[Nightwing]

and that's all I want. Something in writing that I can print up nice and small and keep in my wallet, and memorize so I KNOW what's allowed and what's not.
I don't need to be in a situation where I actually had to pull the gun and get a freaking brandishing charge, when I was doing the right thing in the wrong way.
Who knows. I don't expect to ever use it, but I want to know what is legal just in case I ever do.
I wrote this knowing how the local cops would respond to the letter. I know some of the local cops, but they don't have any clue on open carry law.
If I'm writing the attorney General.... it will be a short clear request. totally different letter.

 

[Sheldon J]

Information overload!!

Keep it short and sweet "What are the laws concerning Open Cary in our state?"
N if your state is like Mi they have a link that you can go to and do a on line search for all state compiled laws with a word specific find engine.

 

[wyocarp]

Why write the long letter. Just look up the statues pertaining to firearms.

 

[drphil]

Good letter but a little wordy.

I think you could stop after the first paragraph and get rid of "to whom it may concern". Figure out who you want to read the letter then address it to them. JMHO

 

[TallPine]

Why would you not carry a round in the chamber ???

And why do you think you are less likely to need to use a gun in self defense than a deputy? The fact is you are probably more likely, since you don't have almost constant 2-way radio contact with dispatch, plus back up officers, plus the weight of the government behind you.

IOW, you said way too much ...

 

[Cougfan2]

No offense meant, but I would just ask for a clarification of the laws. You're not trying to do a sales job on these people regarding your right to carry, just asking for a clarification of the statutes.

 

[shdwfx]

Definitely cut it down. There is no need to justify exercising your rights under the law or to explain your views on firearms and their role for self defense.

 

[george29]

KISS works best. AG's and Sheriff's are too busy to decipher what you mean.

If I were an AG I would reply;

Dear Sir,

Thank you for contacting the AG's office. Unfortunately, due to the volume of work and the problems of a meagre staff and budget, we cannot at this time assist you in your inquiry, please consult with a qualified attorney, we are not qualified to teach law nor are we legally allowed to advise the general public.

Have a nice day.

10 - 1 they send you some kind of form letter like this.


I suppose your letter will go into some file for later review if something eventually does go down.

 

[Nightwing]

Why would you not carry a round in the chamber ???

Because the gun I will be carrying does not have a safety and I am not comfortable with carrying a chambered round in that gun just yet. IF I'm not comfortable with it, I feel no need to apologize for it.

And why do you think you are less likely to need to use a gun in self defense than a deputy? The fact is you are probably more likely, since you don't have almost constant 2-way radio contact with dispatch, plus back up officers, plus the weight of the government behind you.

You and I both know this. But I don't need to disclose that to the police. I'm glad we have cops, and I intend to show them all the respect I can muster, but in the end I still believe that when police are only minutes away, I'm there at the moment. If I didn't believe I needed a gun more than a deputy, I would not be choosing to carry one. I simply do not wish to alarm law enforcement, and intend to give them all the respect I can when asking for their help and information.

 

[Nightwing]

OK. I see this letter is not what I need to send. I will send a simple request to the attorney general for information pertaining to open carry of firearms in Colorado. Makes sense

 

[ZeSpectre]

Seriously, keep it short and to the point. You are asking for assistance (and it's their job to provide it) you aren't arguing as character witness in a court case

(addressed to AG of your state):

I would like to get more information regarding open carry of a firearm in Adams county, and the State of Colorado so that I can be properly informed about my responsibilities when I take my concealed carry class this summer.

Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.

Mr. Joel Lindow

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

It's not hard.

Dear Attorney General Suthers:

What are the laws regarding open carry of a firearm in the State of Colorado for those without a concealed carry permit?

Regards,

Nightwing

 

[unspellable]

AG?

The attorny genral will probably tell you to consult with your lawyer. Ridiculous since you will be paying good money for an opinion that counts for nothing. It's the prosecutor who will decide whether or not to haul you into court, not your own attorny. Keep in mind that law enforcement and the prosecutor do not always go by the law. if you get dragged into court, then even if you win your case, you will have spent a fortune and walk away with an arrest record.

It's sort of a sore point with me that the the county or state's attornies will resist giving an opinion on the law to civilians.

It may not be like this in your case but that has been my experience.

 

[poor_richard]

I agree with others that it’s better to keep is short and concise. I think a good way to think about it is, “would your lawyer approve of what you put in the letter?”. My guess is that most lawyers would tell you to leave out anything other than a simple request for info. A letter to the AG is a good idea, but it’s not a bad thing to start working at the local PD level either.

Also, if you haven’t gotten over to opencarry.org, then you need to. There are going to be people there who have knowledge of the laws, as well as experience in what you propose. There are even some who have already sent similar letters who can give you advice on such matters.

 

[Superlite27]

I do understand that a firearm is not to be treated like a weapon or an instrument of intimidation. I understand that a gun that seldom requires use in law enforcement, and then even much less for private armed citizens. I intend to carry this firearm with the greatest sense of responsibility, and the greatest efforts of safety. I carry this firearm with the desire and expectation that I will never have any need to even lay my hand on the grip. I see my firearm as nothing but a tool. Not a tool of violence. Not a tool of vigilante actions. Just a tool that is very rarely needed, but can save a life in dire situations.
With the choice to carry a firearm I have also taken precautions to make sure I am not a risk to myself, or others. I keep my firearm clean. I keep it in a fitted holster that is fully exposed, and secures the firearm properly to my hip. I do NOT keep a round chambered. I do NOT put my finger anywhere near the trigger unless I intend to fire the gun at that moment. I have taken instruction from many others with long standing firearm experience, and honed my skills at an indoor range, and will continue to do so throughout my future. I have a system of accountability set up with other friends who are aware I will be carrying a firearm. And above ALL, I am accountable to the laws and statutes that lay out the map of how to behave as a responsible armed citizen.

Hopefully you will take my reply as constructive criticism. I am not attempting to flame, just point out things I personally feel are not beneficial to your cause.

I would scrap the entire intro listed above.

I do understand that a firearm is not to be treated like a weapon

I thought a firearm WAS a weapon? How would you treat a weapon not as a weapon?

I will never have any need to even lay my hand on the grip.

Why even mention the possibility of it? Even though it is a negative, all I can think of is you laying your hand on the grip. The Sherriff will too.

I keep my firearm clean.

Relevance? I keep my car clean. This does not make me a good driver. I just have a clean car. How is this relevant to open carry? Are you implying that if a person has a dirty firearm, they are dangerous?

I have a system of accountability set up with other friends who are aware I will be carrying a firearm.

If you are open carrying, there will be quite a few more people become aware that you are carrying a firearm. Have you set up a system of accountability with them, or are you planning on only carrying around friends? If so, they are your friends. Why do you need to open carry?

I believe there is already a system of accountability in place. It is called THE LAW.

I don't believe people need to personally justify their intentions to law enforcement. As long as you intend to obey the law, this is enough. I do not need to let the sherriff know that I am a safe driver, I don't plan on running people down, and that I keep my car clean before I drive to the store. I don't feel it is needed before I legally carry a gun.

Hope my opinion is helpful and not too harsh. I am only communicating my feelings and not passing judgement.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

1. Don't bother with the Sheriff. The Sheriff may or may not know all the relevant laws.

2. You are making an information request only, not confessing to the Father Superior. Nobody cares in those offices as to why you want the information, so don't them them what they don't want or need to know. If you wrote the tax office to find out about the transfer of a title on a car you are buying, would you tell them that you don't speed, would never use overdrive, and would keep the car well maintained? No, you would just ask how you go about purchasing a car and transfering the title.

3. Do a bit of research and actually address the letter to the appropriate person, not "To whom it may concern."

 

[Augustwest]

Seems like the ideas about contacting your AG and/or trimming your letter down are sensible suggestions.

If, however, you do decide to send the letter, you're looking for statutes, and not statues.

 

[george_co]

I agree with the short letter, but I would go ahead and put in your letter that you are 27. Knowing that you are over the minimum age will make them feel better, it shouldn't but it will.

Also, I have written to the AG's office here in Colorado on several occasions and they have always responded respectfully and with pertinent information. Please remember however that they are the State's Attorney and not your attorney.

You may want to mention that you have read CRS 18-12-101 and 18-12-201 through the end of the sections as these are the sections dealing with carrying and concealed carrying. You may want to ask if the AG has issued any Opinions on these sections. On a good day this http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=fs-main.htm&2.0 will take you to the 18-12-101 sequence of the CRS in Lexis Nexis. CRS stands for Colorado Revised Statues.

Also, have you visited www.rmgo.org & www.cssa.org, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and Colorado State Shooting Association web sites. Both of these sites may have pertenient information for you. CSSA has some attorney's involved and they have some information, or at least used to have, on Denver's rules.

As everyone else has mentioned, Denver thinks it is a State upon itself and doesn't need to follow the rules everyone else does. Denver is why I got a CCW in the first place, not because I was really afraid to walk around without a gun, but i was afraid to get caught in Denver with a gun. This has gotten a lot better than it used to be, but you have to be careful.

Hope this helps.
George