Colorado state Rep. Lori Saine’s passion for gun rights and how a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol in carry-on bag at Denver’s airport could land her behind bars – again.

Denver police spokesman Gregory Zimmerman said Wednesday the Weld County Republican “knowingly brought the handgun to the checkpoint.” Knowingly? Police aren’t elaborating.

Saine spent the night in jail and could be facing some serious jail time if her former statehouse colleague, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, a Democrat, sees a political stunt instead of an honest mistake.

Saine is likely to face a charge of introducing a firearm into a transportation facility, which could be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how McCann plays it.

If Saine is charged with a felony – meaning, if McCann thinks latches on to “knowingly” – she could face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. A misdemeanor charge carries a maximum one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

She was released Wednesday by Judge Andrea Eddy after promising to attend future court hearings related to her case. She was represented by lawyer Randy Corporon, a tea party leader who also hosts a conservative radio show.

Eddy allowed Saine to continue to travel out of state to do her job as a regional sales director for Text Mobile Alerts.

Saine has not returned a phone call from Colorado Politics to learn more about her side of the story.

House Republican Leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock couldn’t add much of an opinion on Wednesday.

“This remains an ongoing investigation, and I support Rep Saine’s right to due process and respect the law enforcement officials involved in this investigation,” the never-bashful gun-rights-supporting Neville said.

Police said the gun, loaded with four rounds, was detected by a security line X-ray machine, the same way Transportation Security Administration officers would detect an overly large tube of toothpaste.

Law requires guns to be unloaded and secured in checked bags.

Saine is a mother, active church member and community volunteer, as well as a politician.

The Associated Press attended her court hearing and reported that Saine appeared in court behind glass in a holding room and said nothing, while Corporon did the talking.

Saine is a former Dacono city council member who has served in the legislature since 2012. She is up for re-election next year.

She is one of the Republican legislators, along with Neville, who has sought to repeal gun control laws passed by Colorado Democrats in 2013.

The last two sessions she has sponsored bills to repeal the 15-round limit on ammunition magazines, which Democratic lawmakers argued could help limit the casualties in mass shootings.

Saine became the first Colorado lawmaker to spend time behind bars since Rep. Tim Leonard, R-Evergreen, was jailed last December on a contempt of court charge involving a child-custody issues related to his 2013 divorce.