Since shortly after the founding of the United States, the American Constitution has protected its citizens’ right to bear arms. As time has passed, both gun laws and firearms themselves have evolved, often resulting in higher-risk weapons and, at times, increased difficulty in acquiring and using them legally. If you have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm or a similar offense, a Bloomington gun crime lawyer can help.
At Santana Law, PLLC, we’re uniquely positioned to defend you from gun crime charges. With prosecution experience, founding attorney Ronnie Santana understands how to dismantle the case against you. Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Santana is proud to defend residents of the Twin Cities.
Hiring a Bloomington criminal defense lawyer can be incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of reasons. Your attorney can fight to have your charges dropped, reinstate your right to own a firearm, and protect you from being convicted of firearm charges. Still, it can be helpful to learn more about gun crimes before you take the first step and hire a defense attorney.
Minnesota has the 40th highest rate of gun violence in the United States, meaning it is a relatively safe place to live in regard to firearm activity. However, there were 561 gun deaths in the state in 2022. Firearms are used in 69% of homicides and 47% of suicides.
In accordance with MN Stat. § 624.713, an individual can be found guilty of unlawful gun ownership if they meet any of the following stipulations:
If you line up with one of the aforementioned criteria and are found in possession of a firearm, you may be charged with committing a gross misdemeanor offense, which could lead to hefty fines and potential prison time. The severity of the penalties will only increase if your charges are classified as a felony.
Even if you do not end up spending time in prison, you will most likely lose access to any firearm certifications you had prior to your conviction. Because of risks like this, it is wise to hire a Bloomington gun crime attorney as soon as possible.
There are many reasons to hire a gun crime lawyer in Bloomington. For instance, they can help protect you from potential miscarriages of justice and situations where your rights as a person, guilty or innocent, could be violated. Just because you have been charged with a crime does not mean you will be convicted, nor does it mean you should not be treated with dignity and respect.
Your lawyer can also help you build and present a compelling case, examining all of the relevant evidence and using it to create a fresh narrative that informs the court of your side of the story. If your case goes to trial, it will most likely be handled at the Ridgedale Regional Service Center. Your lawyer can answer any questions you may have about your case, how it may be carried out, and what to expect every step of the way.
Not all felony charges are viewed as equal when it comes to restoring the gun rights of a convicted felon in Minnesota. If the felony you were found guilty of was non-violent, you are more likely to be granted the right to have your gun license reinstated. Violent crimes, however, can make things increasingly difficult.
The cost of hiring a gun crime defense lawyer tends to vary in Minnesota, often impacted by the amount of time and complexity your case requires. The lawyer you hire to represent you can also influence your final cost. At Santana Law, PLLC, we do everything we can to help you secure your desired outcome, making every expenditure feel worth it.
Each gun crime case is unique in many ways, including how much time it takes to resolve in Minnesota. If your case is more complicated, you may end up spending more time on it. There are also outside factors, like the scheduling availability of your local courthouse. Hiring a Bloomington gun crime lawyer can help protect you from potential setbacks and mistakes that could end up prolonging your case.
While you may be licensed to carry a firearm in the state of Minnesota, some states do not recognize this authorization. You may need to gain additional licensure in order to keep in line with their unique gun laws. You could potentially face out-of-state criminal charges if you fail to act accordingly.
Whether you believe you are innocent or guilty of your gun charges, you have the right to a fair trial and legal representation. While you are legally permitted to represent yourself, handling a gun crime case can leave you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and alone with nothing to show for your efforts. Hiring a Bloomington gun crime lawyer can help you eliminate unwanted confusion, moving your case forward to your desired outcomes.
At Santana Law, PLLC, we work hard to build and present a defense that you can feel confident in. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.