What You Need to Know about Gun Laws in Minnesota

With an increasing number of states enacting new gun laws, such as conceal-and-carry laws, many people are wondering about status of Minnesota gun laws. Minnesota is one of just a few states without a constitutional provision regarding gun ownership, and because it does not permit conceal-and-carry, permits are required to openly carrying a firearm.

To obtain a permit, an applicant must successfully complete a firearms safety course within one year of their permit application for a permit, undergo a criminal background check, and pay the applicable fee. While permits may be issued to a qualified applicant after a seven day waiting period, there are various reasons why an applicant may be deemed unqualified for a firearm permit, including (among others) the following:

  • The applicant is under the age of 21
  • The applicant is prohibited from possessing guns by federal law
  • The applicant has been convicted of a felony
  • The applicant is listed in the state’s criminal gang investigation system
  • The applicant has been convicted of assaulting a family member within three years
  • The applicant has been convicted of a drug-related misdemeanor

In Minnesota, a person generally has the right to carry a gun or pistol in a public place if he or she has a “permit to carry” license. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, such as when the public place explicitly prohibits weapons and guns. Moreover, in some counties, including Hennepin County, churches have the right to ban weapons and firearms. Firearms are also prohibited, with or without a permit, in the following places in Minnesota: schools, daycares, correctional facilities or jails, courthouses, state buildings, federal facilities, and private establishments that have posted signs banning guns on their premises.

Contact a Minnesota Gun Charge Defense Lawyer

Although some states are enacting new regarding gun possession, weapons charges continue to be fairly common in Minnesota in light of its strict firearm restrictions and regulations on gun ownership rights. Just because gun charges are common, that does not mean that the charges are appropriate, however. In fact, in many cases, a person may be wrongly accused of a gun crime simply by exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

If you are facing a Minnesota weapons charge, the criminal defense lawyers at Keller Law Office are here to help. We have the experience you need to defend you against the charges, protect your legal rights, and minimize the potential penalties. As a former prosecutor, Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Max. A Keller has experience on both sides of the fence and has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout Minnesota, making him well equipped to handle the interplay between a gun crime and other criminal charges. We represent clients throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul who have been charged with a variety of weapons charges in Minnesota.

Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Getting falsely accused of domestic violence in Minnesota may put you at risk of losing your job, custody of your children, or even your home. You may face criminal charges and the accusation may damage your reputation in the community, as people will now view you as an abuser. False domestic violence accusations often happen when couples are in a contentious relationship with a risk of divorce.
The top reasons for license suspension in Minnesota include driving under the influence of alcohol, repeated traffic violations, and failure to appear in court or pay fines. Failure to pay child support, criminal convictions and felonies, medical conditions/disabilities, and drag racing can also lead to license suspension. The suspension takes away your driving privileges, preventing you from driving legally.
Motorists arrested for allegedly driving while impaired might wonder, “Can you refuse a breathalyzer?” In Minnesota, the implied consent law requires a person licensed to drive, control, or operate a vehicle to agree to a chemical test to check for alcohol or other intoxicants in that person’s body. Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or another chemical test is a crime, often charged as a gross misdemeanor.