Bills have been introduced in both houses of the state legislature that seek to make constitutional carry the law of the land in Minnesota. Constitutional carry refers to the right of an individual, who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, to possess a firearm in public without first obtaining a government approved permit. If the bills were passed and subsequently signed into law by the governor, Minnesota would join 13 other states (as of the time of this writing) that allow constitutional carry.
Minnesota currently requires citizens seeking to carry a firearm in public, whether concealed or openly, to apply, and be approved, for a permit to carry with their local sheriff’s office in order to legally carry firearm in public. Under the proposed legislation the current permit process would become optional and anyone who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law would be allowed to carry a firearm in public.
An excerpt from the current draft of the House bill reads as follows:
(a) The legislature of the state of Minnesota recognizes and declares that the second amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms.
(b) A person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm by any law of this state or any federal law shall have the right to carry, hold, or possess a firearm in a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or boat, or on or about the person’s clothes or the person, or otherwise in possession or control in a public place.
Unless and until this proposed legislation passes, a permit is still required to legally carry a firearm in public. So, as it currently stands in Minnesota , failure to obtain the proper permits prior to carrying a firearm in public creates a risk of criminal charges.
If you or a loved are facing firearms related charges, have been denied a permit to carry, would like to pursue restoration of your firearms rights, or are faced with criminal charges of any kind, call the skilled, dedicated criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of John J. Leunig at 952-540-6800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a free consultation. The lawyers at The Law Office of John J. Leunig provide vigorous, intelligent and personalized representation to people accused of crimes in the State and Federal courts in Minnesota, Wisconsin and nationwide.
Recent Comments