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.
