Duluth Gun Lawyer

While the North Star State is not as strict with firearm restrictions as some other states, there are still plenty of regulations on gun ownership and where weapons can be carried and used. Anyone accused of violating gun laws may face harsh criminal sanctions upon conviction, including thousands of dollars in fines, a lengthy sentence in prison, and even the permanent loss of their right to bear arms nationwide.

Put simply, being accused of a gun-related criminal offense in Minnesota is an extremely serious matter. It is essential to have a confident criminal defense attorney on your side. When you are facing gun charges of any kind and want to proactively fight back against them, you should strongly consider contacting a committed Duluth gun lawyer.

A Basic Overview of Gun Laws in Duluth

In Minnesota, no one can legally purchase a handgun or any long gun with a pistol grip through a licensed dealer or private seller. It is also illegal to can carry a handgun openly or concealed in public without first obtaining a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol. As a knowledgeable gun attorney could explain in more detail, a permit to carry in Duluth is granted on a “shall-issue” basis, requiring applicants to be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, and prove they have completed a firearms safety training class.

Conversely, state law does not place any permit requirements on purchasing or possessing long guns such as rifles and shotguns. Under most circumstances, a  Permit to Carry a Pistol can double as a permit to open carry a long gun. Furthermore, state law does not prohibit the possession of short-barreled rifles or suppressor attachments. However, it prohibits the possession of short-barreled shotguns and automatic weapons unless designated as collector’s items or deemed “objects of curiosity” unlikely to be used as weapons.

Common Types of Gun-Related Criminal Charges

A knowledgeable legal professional is essential when dealing with unlawful possession and use of firearms charges. An experienced firearm defense lawyer in Duluth could help build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specifics of a case. They commonly handle a wide variety of charges, including:

• Carrying a pistol or long gun without a permit, under Minnesota Statutes § 624.714
• Illegal possession of any “assault weapon,” also under MN Stat. §624.713
• Reckless discharge of a firearm in a public place, under MN Stat. § 609.66
• Illegal possession of a firearm by someone prohibited from owning one, under MN Stat. § 624.713
• Removal of serial numbers or other identifying information from a firearm, under MN Stat. § 609.667

The vast majority of these offenses are categorized as felonies, meaning that even someone with no prior criminal record may face a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine—or potentially even greater sanctions—upon conviction. Additionally, a conviction may result in a prohibition on possessing firearms in the future.

Talk to a Duluth Gun Attorney About Your Legal Options

Every gun owner should be aware of the restrictions imposed by federal and state laws on the right to bear arms. When you are accused of violating any of those laws, there is limited time to construct your defense, but fortunately, you do not have to fight your gun charges alone. Call today to learn how a dedicated Duluth gun lawyer could help with your unique situation.