Minneapolis Gun Charges Defense Attorney

Serious Gun Charges Need Strong Local Defense

If you have been arrested or charged with a firearm offense in Minneapolis, you are facing consequences that can affect your freedom, your record, and your future. You may be worried about jail time, losing your gun rights, or how this will impact your job and family. You do not have to face that alone.

At Tamburino Law Group, we defend people accused of gun crimes in Minnesota courts. Our attorneys have spent decades in criminal courtrooms, and we understand how prosecutors build firearm cases and how judges handle them. We are available 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations so you can get clear answers as soon as possible.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Minnesota Gun Laws

Minnesota has some of the strictest firearm regulations in the Midwest. Understanding these laws is fundamental when defending against gun charges.

Carry and Possession

In Minnesota, there are distinct rules for carrying and possessing firearms:

• Permit to Carry (PTC): Minnesota issues permits to carry a pistol, which are required to carry a handgun in public. Carrying without a valid permit can lead to criminal charges.
• Age Restrictions: Individuals under 18 generally cannot possess a handgun, and there are strict limits for those under 21 regarding long guns.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons and individuals subject to certain restraining orders are prohibited from possessing firearms.

Use of Deadly Force

Minnesota allows the use of deadly force in self-defense under specific circumstances, but the legality depends on the reasonableness of the threat and actions taken. Misinterpretation of these laws often leads to criminal charges even when a defendant believed they were acting in self-defense.

Firearm Registration

Unlike some states, Minnesota does not require all firearms to be registered. However, specific categories of weapons (e.g., short-barreled shotguns) are regulated under federal law and bear their own legal requirements.

Violations of Minnesota gun laws can result in both state and federal charges, each with unique defenses and consequences. An experienced Minneapolis gun crime lawyer will navigate these laws to safeguard your rights.

Common Types of Firearm Offenses

Gun crime charges in Minneapolis can vary widely. Some of the most common types include:

• Carrying a Gun Without a Permit: Possession of a handgun in public without a valid Minnesota PTC is a felony. Even unintentional violations can bring serious legal trouble.
• Illegal Possession by a Prohibited Person: Individuals with prior felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or protective orders against them may not legally possess firearms. Prosecutors frequently pursue these charges aggressively.
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: Discharging a firearm in certain locations (e.g., within city limits or near schools) can lead to serious charges, regardless of whether anyone was injured.
• Gun in the Commission of a Crime: Using or possessing a firearm during another felony (like robbery or assault) often results in enhanced penalties and mandatory minimum sentences.
• Federal Firearms Charges: Some gun offenses violate federal law, such as interstate firearm sales or possession after a federal conviction. Federal cases involve a separate court system and require heightened expertise.

Defenses to Gun Crime Charges

A knowledgeable Minneapolis gun crime lawyer can explore a range of defenses, including:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence may be suppressed.
• Lack of Possession: Prosecutors must prove actual or constructive possession.
• Mistake of Fact: You may have believed you were legally entitled to carry or possess the firearm.
• Self-Defense: In some cases, the use of force was justified under Minnesota law.
• Identity Issues: Defense may show you were not the person who possessed or used the firearm.

Each case is unique, and effective defenses depend on the facts of your arrest and charges. Your attorney will investigate thoroughly and challenge the prosecution’s case at every opportunity.

Gun Offense FAQs

What should I do if I’m charged with a firearm offense?

First, remain calm and contact a Minneapolis gun crime lawyer immediately. Do not talk to police without your attorney present, and follow legal advice carefully.

Can I go to jail for a gun charge in Minnesota?

Yes. Many firearm offenses are felonies that carry prison sentences, especially if the weapon was used in the commission of another crime.

Will I lose my gun rights?

A conviction can lead to civil rights forfeiture, including loss of the right to own or possess firearms. An experienced lawyer can work to avoid such outcomes.

Can charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, seek lesser charges, or argue for dismissals based on weak evidence or legal errors.

Do gun laws differ between state and federal court?

Yes. Federal firearm offenses are prosecuted under federal statutes and often involve different penalties and procedures. Skilled representation is crucial in both venues.

Why Choose Our Gun Defense Team

When you are facing a weapons charge, you need more than general criminal defense experience. You need a team that has handled serious felony cases for many years in the same courts where your case will be heard. Our firm has more than 100 years of combined legal experience, and we have represented thousands of people in criminal matters across Minnesota.

Founding partner Joseph Tamburino is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Minnesota State Bar. Only a small percentage of attorneys in the state hold this credential, which reflects substantial work in criminal cases and rigorous evaluation. For someone charged with a gun offense, that level of focus in criminal law can be especially important.

Our trial background is extensive. As a group, our attorneys have handled hundreds of jury trials, and Mr. Tamburino has personally tried over 100 jury cases. This kind of courtroom experience matters when the prosecutor is pushing for a conviction and a significant sentence. It also helps us evaluate when a plea offer is reasonable and when we should prepare to go to trial.

We also bring perspective from the other side. Founding partner Allan Caplan is a former prosecutor, and members of our team have served as both prosecutors and public defenders. We know how the state evaluates firearm allegations, what evidence they look for, and how they tend to negotiate. We use that insight to anticipate strategy and to protect your rights at every stage.

Our attorneys have received recognition from respected legal organizations, including listings in Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale Hubbell, and inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Joseph Tamburino has been honored with the Minnesota Icon Award for lifetime achievement and community impact. These acknowledgments do not decide your case, but they can give you confidence that your legal team is respected in the Minnesota legal community.

Call (612) 444-5020 now to speak with our team.