Minnesota Concealed Weapon Charges

Minnesota changed from a “may-issue” to a “shall-issue” state, which means they will issue a carry permit to individuals who meet the legal requirements. In 2003, the State of Minnesota passed a concealed carry law that allows citizens to carry a loaded handgun in public. Applications must be made through the local chief of police or the county sheriff’s office. Permit holders can carry a concealed weapon in their vehicles or on their persons. In addition, they can carry a handgun openly if they choose. Individuals must be able to pass a state background check and complete accredited training on the use of a handgun and the use of deadly force.

Minnesota Weapons Laws

Carry permits in Minnesota are not required in the following situations:

• Carrying a handgun at the person’s residence, place of business or on land owned by the person
• Carrying a pistol from the place where it was purchased to the person’s home or business
• Carrying a pistol from the person’s home or business to a gun repair facility
• Carrying a pistol from the person’s home to place of business
• Carrying a pistol in the woods or upon the water for the purpose of hunting or target shooting
• Transporting a pistol in the person’s motor vehicle, boat or snowmobile as long as the weapon is unloaded and encased in a locked container

All private business owners may ban guns on their property, provided they comply with the notice requirements. Carrying a handgun while intoxicated is against the law.

Minnesota Concealed Weapon Violations

It is illegal to possess or carry a deadly weapon in the following places in Minnesota:

• School buses or school property
• All licensed day care facilities when children are present
• Any private property where the owner has posted a sign banning guns
• All courthouses unless the sheriff is notified
• Any state building unless the public safety commission is notified
• All public universities and colleges
• State hospitals and correctional facilities
• Courtrooms and offices of the Minnesota Court of Appeals or Minnesota Supreme Court
• Any place where federal law prohibits weapons

The Minnesota weapons violations are listed below:

Criminal Plea Options

When you are arraigned before the court, you can enter one of three pleas:

• Not Guilty—A new court date will be set as the case proceeds to trial.
• Guilty—Never plead guilty unless first trying to work out a plea bargain with the prosecution.
• No Contest—You do not contest the charges nor admit guilt.

Contact a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney

Defendants who wish to go through the criminal trial process may end up sitting in jail until the judge allows them bail. Depending upon their criminal history, some may not be eligible for release. Whether you are behind bars or not, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals will do everything they can to get you and keep you out of jail.