A published decision came out today from the Minnesota Court of Appeals holding that a BB Gun (specifically, a .177- caliber pistol BB gun) is considered a “firearm” with respect to 609.165, subdivision 1b(a) (Ineligible Persons in Possession of a Firearm). The Court reasoned that the plain meaning of the term “firearm, ” as previously held by Minnesota Supreme Court, is to be “defined broadly to include guns using newer types of projectile propellants and should not be restricted in meaning to guns using gunpowder.”
Brandt Kettwick Defense handles gun restoration rights, a measure by which this type of charge can potentially be prevented.
A Star Tribune article on the decision can be found here: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-court-of-appeals-rules-bb-gun-is-considered-a-firearm/329832451/
The full decision can be read here: http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/Appellate/Court-of-Appeals/Standard-opinions/OPa141792-092815.pdf