Today, in the wake of the tragic Sandy Hook massacre, President Obama announced that he would be formulating new proposals for gun control nationwide. Specifically, reinstating the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons which expired in 2004. However, for many Americans—and many Minnesotans—the current firearm laws still remain a mystery.
So what are the current gun regulations in Minnesota? According to the NRA:
A handgun or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon may be sold by a dealer to a person who presents a handgun transferee permit or carry permit, or to a person who has undergone a seven (7) day waiting period where a transfer report has been filed. People must be 21 or older to purchase a semiautomatic assault weapon, however, it is not illegal for people over the age of 18 to own such weapons.
Any person carrying a loaded BB gun, rifle, or shotgun on or about their person, not expressly to or from the place where the firearms are bought, sold, traded, displayed, or where hunting, target shooting, or other lawful activity occurs, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. It is also a misdemeanor to carry a handgun on or about their person while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who negligently stores or leaves a loaded firearm in a location where the persons knows, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to gain access, unless reasonable action is taken to secure the firearm against access by the child.
It shall be unlawful to take any wild animal by means of discharging any firearm from a motor vehicle. A special permit may be acquired, without a fee, to discharge a firearm or bow and arrow from a stationary motor vehicle to a person who has a permanent physical disability. Game wardens may confiscate firearms used in unlawful hunting.
In Minnesota, “false representation” on a gun permit application is a gross misdemeanor offense. Additionally, firearm possession by an ineligible party is also a crime in Minnesota. Those who are not allowed to legally possess a firearm are:
-Prior conviction of just about any crime
-Juvenile delinquency adjudication for violation of a criminal statute
-History of mental illness
-History of chemical dependency
Often, unrelated felony and certain misdemeanor convictions can make a person ineligible to lawfully possess a firearm. It’s yet another civil consequence handed down by the justice system. Unlawful weapons possession is also a serious offense in Minnesota. If you are under arrest or being investigated on a weapons offense—or any offense—contact an experienced MN criminal defense attorney right away.
