Colorado § 16-3-312 - Warrantless entry of a dwelling.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-312 — Warrantless entry of a dwelling., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-3-312. Warrantless entry of a dwelling.
(1) When a peace officer makes a warrantless entry into a dwelling in which occupants are unaware law enforcement is present and making entry, the officer shall:
(a) Wear and activate a body-worn camera as required by section 24-31-902 (1)(a)(II)(A) when entering a premises for the purpose of enforcing the law; and
(b) Knock-and-announce the officer's presence at a volume loud enough for the officer to reasonably believe the occupants inside can hear, allow a reasonable amount of time before entering given the size of the dwelling for someone to get to the door, and delay entry if the officer has reason to believe that someone is approaching the dwelling's entrance with the intent of voluntarily allowing the officer to enter the dwelling; except that this subsection (1)(b) does not apply if the circumstances known to the officer at the time provide an objectively reasonable basis to believe that a no-knock entry or not waiting a reasonable amount of time is necessary because:
(I) Of an emergency threatening the life of or grave injury to a person, provided that the imminent danger is not created by law enforcement itself; or
(II) The officer is engaged in the hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect.
(2) This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer working in an undercover capacity.
Source: L. 2023: Entire section added, (SB 23-254), ch. 395, p. 2360, § 3, effective June 6.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 16-3-312
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-312 cover?
Section 16-3-312 ("Warrantless entry of a dwelling.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 16-3-312?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-312" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 16-3-312 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.