Possession Of A Firearm By An Ineligible Person
The laws around who may possess a firearm can be complex. If you are unsure of your gun rights under the law, you should consult an attorney. A conviction for possession of a firearm by an ineligible person could result in serious penalties.
At Villaume & Schiek, we have helped clients with gun rights issues and weapons charges for more than 30 years. We can answer your questions about your rights and defend you from charges for illegal possession of a firearm. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a lawyer at our firm.
Who Is Ineligible To Possess A Firearm?
Certain individuals are ineligible to possess firearms under the law. In part, this includes individuals who have been:
- Convicted of a felony
- Dishonorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces
- Convicted of a crime of violence or who are in pretrial diversion for a crime of violence
- Declared by a judge to be mentally ill, developmentally disabled or in need of treatment
- Informally admitted to a treatment facility and without discharge papers from the head of the facility
- In possession of a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon under the age of 18, unless with a supervisor, in training, in a military drill or after having taken an approved course on safety
- In the United States illegally or unlawfully
- Convicted or a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor drug crime, gang-related crime, child neglect, burglary in the fourth degree or stalking within the last three years (with no other convictions during that time)
What Are The Penalties For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm?
Generally, illegal possession of firearm by an ineligible person is a gross misdemeanor. For this type of crime, you could face jail time and fines. There are limited circumstances, however, where the crime can rise to the level of a felony:
- If you have a previous conviction for a crime of violence, you could face up to 15 years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines.
- If you were under the age of 18 and no exceptions apply in your case, you could face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
After an arrest for illegal possession of a firearm, our attorneys can help protect your rights and defend you from criminal charges. We will thoroughly examine the facts that led to your arrest and work to build a strong defense. At all times, our goal is to secure a dismissal of the charges, an acquittal or a reduction of penalties.
Contact A Lawyer About Weapons Charges In Minnesota
Get the answers and representation you need after an arrest on weapons charges. Contact our law firm online or call us at 952-641-7734 for a free initial consultation. Our law office is conveniently located in Bloomington, right off Interstate 494 and across from the Mall of America, and has ample free parking.