Weapons Charges Require an Experienced Minnesota Defense Lawyer
Receiving a weapons charge can be quite a shock due to the number of statutes against weapons in our state and the complexities surrounding those laws. In many instances, the individual charged may not have realized that he or she was doing something illegal before being charged. Often the actual reason for the charge is based on the opinion of a law enforcement official and very open to interpretation.
This is very important for individuals who have been charged to know, because weapons charges come with incredibly severe penalties – even the most minor offenses include the potential of both jail time and high fines. So how do you fight back? With a knowledgeable criminal attorney like Christopher Keyser.
Mr. Keyser has been helping people in Minnesota to battle weapons charges for years. He knows exactly what is needed to help you. Work with Chris Keyser and he will do everything in his power to get your charges reduced, dropped, or altogether dismissed. He believes that everyone deserves the right to the strongest possible defense, and that is exactly what he will give to you.
A Knowledgeable Minnesota Criminal Attorney Discusses Types of Weapons Charges
One of the biggest reasons that people unknowingly commit weapons violations is because there are so many rules and restrictions out there. It can be difficult to keep track of all of them. Below you will find just a small sample of the various weapons offenses that you can potentially run afoul of in our state.
Carrying without a permit – 624.714. If you do not have a permit for your pistol or handgun, you are not allowed to have your weapon with you in a public place. This includes all forms of holding, carrying, and possessing. Additionally, it is illegal to carry, possess, or keep these types of weapons in any place “under your control” in a public setting. For example, you may not keep a pistol or handgun in your vehicle when you head to the supermarket unless you have the necessary permit. This kind of charge can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.
Carrying a rifle or shotgun in public – 624.7181. Minnesota has a fair number of hunters, but the law still forbids you from carrying a shotgun, rifle, air rifle, or BB gun in a public place. This offense can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Exceptions include:
- Transporting weapons that are kept (fully enclosed) in a gun case
- Carrying firearms to or from a hunting location
- Carrying firearms to or from target shooting
- Carrying a weapon to or from the place where it was purchased
- Carrying a weapon to or from a location due to it needing repair
Furnishing weapons to minors – 609.66-1b. It is a crime to give an explosive device, firearm, air gun, or ammunition to someone who is under 18 years of age. This charge is considered a felony under Minnesota law. The exception to this law is if the individual furnishing the weapon has the permission of either the local police department or the parent or guardian of the minor in question.
Minnesota open and concealed carry. If you have a permit, are 21 years of age or older, are a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, and have completed a firearm safety course successfully, our state allows you to carry concealed weapons – or even openly carry them. If you do not meet all of these requirements, you can be charged with a crime. Additionally, there are other restrictions attached to the concealed carry law.
Besides the above laws, a number of cities and municipalities around Minnesota have restrictions that go above and beyond this. Slingshots and BB guns are prohibited in several cities around the state, for example.
Charges for violating weapons laws vary greatly. A misdemeanor offense could land you up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines – or up to a year in jail and $3,000 in fines if the violation is committed in a public housing zone, a school zone, or a park zone. Felony weapons charges can carry penalties as low as $5,000 in fines and up to 2 years in prison, for recklessly discharging a firearm, to a fine up to $20,000 and 10 years in prison for crimes such as:
- Furnishing a dangerous weapon
- Furnishing a weapon to minors
- Drive-by shooting
In order to fight back against these kinds of charges, you need someone on your side who is familiar with defense strategies that tend to work and will not be afraid of aggressively battling prosecutors to have your penalties reduced.
Why You Need Minnesota Criminal Defender Christopher Keyser to Beat Your Weapons Charge
Most people charged with a weapons violation in our state made a simple mistake and just want this whole frightening process to end as quickly as possible. Because of this, they believe it when law enforcement officers say they are trying to help them. They are willing to go with the flow and offer whatever information is necessary to expedite things.
But doing this is a mistake. When you are charged with a crime, the police are not your friends. Neither are prosecutors. They have a job to do, and they are going to do everything in their power to do it: secure a conviction.
At times like these, you need an experienced defense attorney by your side to remind you of your rights and keep you from saying or doing anything that can harm your case. Christopher Keyser is an excellent guide and advocate. He knows exactly what to do to make sure your rights are protected and get your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed.
It is one of the reasons why SuperLawyers named him a Rising Star in Minnesota. Why The National Trial Lawyers lists him to their Top 40 Under 40 and as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. And why he has won Avvo Clients’ Choice awards every year since 2010. Most importantly, though, it is why he has such a successful track record – simply put, Mr. Keyser knows how to get his clients the best results.
Contact Minnesota Weapons Charges Attorney Chris Keyser Now
Ready to learn why people around the state continue to choose Christopher Keyser as their criminal lawyer? Set up your free initial consultation today by calling Mr. Keyser on his cell phone at 612-281-8325, emailing him at chris@keyserdefense.com, or getting in touch with one of our two convenient local offices:
612-338-5007 (Minneapolis)
651-689-4788 (Stillwater)
Do not leave your future up to chance. Sit down with Mr. Keyser at soon as possible to start planning your defense strategy.
