Weapons Charges Attorney
If you are facing a weapons charge in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or one of the surrounding communities, you have a lot at stake. Entering the courtroom without an experienced weapons charges attorney could be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make.
As a former prosecutor, weapons charges lawyer Max Keller can help you:
- Protect your gun rights
- Avoid jail time
- Reduce your charges
- Keep you from having a criminal conviction on your record
If you have been charged with a weapons crime, call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 to schedule your free consultation.
Schedule a Free,
No Obligation Consultation
- Weapons Charges
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Domestic Violence
- Felonies
Minneapolis Office
We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
What Are Weapons Offenses?
In Minnesota, weapons offenses encompass a range of illegal activities related to firearms, knives, and other dangerous instruments. These offenses are governed by state statutes that set gun laws in Minnesota, and focus on the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of weapons.
One category is unlawful possession of a firearm. In Minnesota, individuals prohibited from possessing firearms include those with felony convictions, individuals subject to certain restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally ill or dangerous. Possessing a firearm under these circumstances can lead to severe penalties.
Another offense is carrying a firearm without a valid permit. Minnesota requires individuals to obtain a permit to carry a handgun, either openly or concealed. Carrying a firearm without this permit, or carrying it in a prohibited location, such as schools or government buildings, constitutes a crime.
The use of weapons in the commission of other crimes also constitutes a weapons offense. For example, if a firearm is used during the commission of a robbery or assault, it can result in enhanced charges and penalties.
Minnesota law also addresses the possession of illegal weapons, such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, or silencers, which are strictly regulated. Additionally, brandishing or threatening others with a weapon can lead to charges of assault or terroristic threats, depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for weapons offenses in Minnesota vary based on the nature of the offense, but they can include fines, imprisonment, or both. Given the complexities of weapons laws, those charged often benefit from legal counsel to navigate the legal process and draft defenses.
Contact a Minnesota weapons charges attorney at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for help.
Defending Clients Facing Weapons Crimes Charges throughout Minnesota
In many instances, people are wrongly accused of weapons crimes simply by exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms. Crimes like these carry penalties that can include jail or prison time, fines, and the loss of gun rights.
Without a criminal defense attorney to defend you against a weapons charge, your chances of spending time behind bars are increased.
Schedule a Free,
No Obligation Consultation
- Weapons Charges
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Domestic Violence
- Felonies
Minneapolis Office
We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
How Strict Are Minnesota's Gun Laws?
Minnesota has laws in place to regulate the use of dangerous weapons. A dangerous weapon is any weapon capable of causing death or great bodily harm. While exceptions are made in cases of self-defense, individuals can face hefty fines and jail time for violating gun laws enacted by the state and federal government.
Minnesota’s laws regarding shotguns and hunting rifles is relatively lax. However, handguns and semi-automatic weapons fall under higher levels of regulation. Under Minnesota law, a person has the right to carry a handgun or pistol in a public place if he or she has a “permit to carry” license.
There are exceptions to this rule, however, such as when the public place explicitly prohibits dangerous weapons and guns. In some counties, including Hennepin County, churches have the right to ban weapons and firearms.
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Minnesota weapons defense attorneys represent clients who are facing different types of weapons charges and gun crime allegations, such as:
- Carrying dangerous weapons without a permit
- Unlawful possession of a firearm in public
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Brandishing a firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a minor
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Intentional discharge, reckless discharge, or another unlawful use of a weapon
- Unlawful sale of a firearm
- Illegal transportation of weapons
- Possession of automatic firearms or other federal weapons charges
- Negligent storage of a dangerous weapon
Criminal Penalties for Weapons Charges in Minnesota
In Minnesota, criminal penalties for weapons charges can vary based on the offense and its circumstances. Common weapons-related offenses include unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a permit, and the illegal use of weapons. Each of these offenses carries distinct legal consequences.
For unlawful possession of a firearm, penalties can be severe. Individuals prohibited from owning firearms due to felony convictions, restraining orders, or mental health issues may face felony charges. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, fines, and long-term restrictions on firearm ownership.
Carrying a firearm without a permit is also a serious offense. Minnesota law requires a permit for carrying handguns, either openly or concealed. Violating this requirement can lead to misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
The use of a weapon in committing other crimes, such as robbery or assault, enhances the severity of the charges and penalties. For instance, using a firearm during a robbery could lead to felony charges with heightened sentences.
How a Weapons Charge Can Exacerbate Other Charges
A weapons charge can increase the severity of other charges against you. An individual who brandishes, discharges, or possesses a firearm while committing a crime is subject to a gun crime enhancement. For instance, if a gun was present during a drug sale, the charges and penalties faced by a defendant could be higher. Defendants need an attorney who understands the interplay between the many types of criminal charges, including weapons crimes, assault, robbery, sex crimes, drug crimes, and violent crimes such as homicide.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Weapons Charge?
While you have the right to represent yourself in court, it’s generally advisable to consult with a criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing weapons charges. A lawyer ensures your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process, and works to minimize the long-term consequences that might accompany a conviction. Without legal representation, you may miss opportunities for favorable plea deals or alternative resolutions.
As a former prosecutor, Minnesota weapons charges attorney Max. A Keller has experience on both sides of the fence. He has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout Minnesota, making him well-equipped to handle the interaction between a gun crime and other criminal charges. His comprehensive knowledge of federal and Minnesota law, as well as his considerable experience handling thousands of criminal cases, makes our firm well-equipped to provide effective representation aimed at reducing or eliminating your charges, fines, and prison time.
Defense Strategies Against Federal Weapons Offenses
Your lawyer will consider a variety of options when drafting your defense strategy. Common strategies against weapons charges include:
Challenge the Evidence
One common defense strategy is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This could involve questioning the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the weapon. If law enforcement violated constitutional rights during the search, the evidence may be inadmissible in court. Additionally, disputing the accuracy of ballistic reports or the chain of custody for the weapon can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Assert Legal Ownership or Possession
Another strategy is to demonstrate that the defendant had legal ownership or possession of the weapon. For instance, if the weapon was legally registered or if the defendant had a valid permit, this can negate criminal intent. Evidence of proper registration and compliance with federal and state laws can be critical in proving that the defendant did not commit a federal weapons offense.
Prove Lack of Intent
Federal weapons offenses often require proof of intent. A defense can argue that the defendant lacked the intent to use or distribute the weapon unlawfully. This strategy might involve showing that the weapon was possessed for lawful purposes, such as self-defense or collection, and not for illegal activities.
Present an Alibi or False Accusation
In some cases, presenting an alibi or proving that the defendant was falsely accused can be effective. This might involve providing evidence that the defendant was not present at the scene of the crime or that someone else was responsible for the illegal possession or use of the weapon.
Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys Is Committed to Defending Your Second Amendment Rights
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we pride ourselves on our commitment to protecting our clients’ rights (including their Second Amendment right to bear arms), reducing or eliminating charges, and providing knowledgeable legal advice. We maintain constant communication, via phone and email, and treat all of our clients with the utmost respect and dignity. Our law firm is available to our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle any questions or pressing legal concerns.
