With hunting season underway, it is important to understand how past convictions could affect your gun rights. In Minnesota, a person convicted of a crime of violence cannot possess firearms. Minnesota Statute § 609.165, Subd. 1a says certain convicted felons are ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition. The statute explains, “that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence… is not entitled to ship, transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person’s lifetime.” But what crimes are considered a “Crime of violence”?
Minn. Stat. § 624.712, Subd. 5 defines a “Crime of violence” as felony convictions of the following offenses:
Murder, Manslaughter, Aiding Suicide and Aiding Attempted Suicide, Assault, Domestic Assault, Crimes Committed for the Benefit of a Gang, Use of drugs to injure or facilitate crime, Robbery, Kidnapping, False imprisonment, Solicitation of Prostitution, Sex trafficking, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Malicious Punishment of a Child, Child Neglect, Child Endangerment, Commission of Crime While Wearing or Possessing a Bullet-Resistant Vest, Arson, Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Theft of a Firearm, Theft of a Controlled Substance, Drive-by shooting, Unlawfully Owning, Possessing, Operating a Machine Gun or Short-Barreled shotgun, Riot, Terroristic Threats, Harassment, Use of Drugs to Commit a Crime, and Shooting at a Transit Vehicle.
So how can you restore your gun rights if you’ve been convicted of a felony crime of violence? Minn. Stat. § 609.165, Subd. 1d explains that a person prohibited from possessing firearms because of a conviction for committing a crime of violence may petition a court to restore the person’s ability to possess, receive, ship, or transport firearms. If you have any questions about restoring your gun rights, contact Brandt Kettwick Defense at 763.421.6366.