Gun Charges & Criminal Defense Attorneys In Minnesota
A person can be charged with a gun offense any time that there is a firearm used in the commission of the crime. This is something that is taken very seriously in Minnesota, which is why a person can also be charged with a gun offense if they allegedly committed a crime in which a gun was involved.
Being charged with the initial crime can be confusing enough for an individual. Having a gun charge added to the matter opens a person up to the possibility of more prison time and higher fines if they are convicted. That is why it is imperative to seek out proper legal representation so you can protect your future. With the help of an experienced Minneapolis & St. Paul criminal defense attorney, you can secure the best possible result by fighting all of the charges that have been filed against you.
Effectively Challenging Weapons Charges
There are different types of gun offenses that a person can be charged with. They include:
- Carelessly handling explosives, guns, or other firearms in a way that endangers the lives of others, which includes pointing an unloaded or loaded gun at another individual.
- Illegal sale of firearms.
- Illegally possessing the gun, such as when a person who has been convicted of domestic assault obtains a weapon. Individuals with previous convictions may not be allowed to own firearms.
If a gun offense is committed in a public housing zone, on school grounds, or in a park, the charge can be enhanced from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. This increases the fine to $3,000 and the prison term may be for up to one year.
If a person recklessly discharges a gun within city limits, they may be charged with a felony that carries a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison. The felony charge also applies if a person is found to be the suspect in a drive by shooting since it involves firing a weapon from a motor vehicle. Recklessly discharging a firearm at another vehicle or a building can result in a felony conviction that warrants fines of up to $5,000 and 3 years in prison.
Trusted Gun Offense Representation
Gun offenses are taken quite seriously in Minnesota, but your Minneapolis & St. Paul defense attorney can aggressively fight the charges against you in order to achieve the best possible result. The best result may be the dismissal of the case when the facts suggest that that is the best course of action. The charges could even be reduced. A reduction means a lesser charge and less serious penalties, which means securing a better future.
Contact Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer F. T. Sessoms:
A gun offense can take a number of different forms ranging from a person convicted of a felony operating a firearm or a person using a gun in the commission of another crime. Whatever the offense, it is very important that you secure the representation of a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the law and can use it to work for you.
To learn more about your rights and options, contact me, Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer F.T. Sessoms, at 612-344-1505 and request a consultation as I would be happy to discuss your case with you.
