Minneapolis Gun Crime Lawyer

Gun Crime Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Gun rights and laws are constantly changing throughout the state and the country. If you or someone you love is a gun owner in Minneapolis, it’s crucial that you understand how state and federal gun laws can impact you. A skilled Minneapolis gun crime lawyer from Santana Law, PLLC, can help you better understand your rights as a gun owner and defend you against charges of potential violations.

​Trust Santana Law, PLLC

Ronnie Santana, the founding and lead attorney of Santana Law, PLLC, has experience helping clients across Minnesota fight firearms charges. Beginning his career as a prosecutor, Ronnie Santana carries unique insight into the operation of local courts and how the state prosecutes defendants. He now uses this knowledge to build powerful, effective defenses on his clients’ behalf. No matter what kind of charges you’re facing in the Twin Cities, Ronnie Santana can help.

​​Minnesota Gun Control Laws

Minnesota places restrictions on the ownership of firearms to protect its citizens. While federal laws allow US citizens to purchase traditional rifles and shotguns without state-specific permits, you will need a permit to purchase a handgun, pistol, or semi-automatic weapon in Minnesota. To get that permit, you must undergo a background check. You can generally acquire a permit from the local police.

If you want to carry your gun in public in Minnesota, you’ll also need a permit to carry. This permit replaces the need for a permit to purchase, so you only need to seek one or the other. You’ll need a permit to carry if you want to bring your gun with you in public places or carry it unloaded in your car. You do not need a carry permit in Minnesota to:

• Keep your firearm in your home, on land that you control, or on your business premises.
• Transport a pistol from the point of purchase to your home or business.
• Transport a pistol between your home and business.
• Transport a pistol for the purposes of hunting or target shooting.
• Transport a pistol in any motor vehicle, provided it is unloaded and properly secured.

Minnesota gun control laws also prohibit you from carrying firearms in certain public places and on any private land that has clearly posted notices regarding firearm use or possession. Additionally, you can’t carry a gun on school property.

Illegal Guns in Minnesota

​Minnesota only allows you to purchase and possess certain types of guns. The following firearms are always illegal, with the exception of use by law enforcement officers or Armed Forces members:

• Machine guns
• Machine gun conversion kits
• Short-barreled shotguns
• Trigger activators
• Spring guns
• Saturday Night Special pistols
• Swivel guns
• Set guns

Who Is Not Allowed to Own a Gun in Minnesota?

Minnesota also bans certain individuals from owning any type of firearm. According to state law, you cannot own a firearm if you are:

• A minor, with some exceptions
• Subject to an Extreme Risk Protection Order
• Convicted of domestic assault or stalking
• Placed under protection orders for domestic violence or child abuse
• Convicted of certain misdemeanors within the past three years
• Previously committed by a judge for mental illness
• Previously convicted for the use, possession, or sale of controlled substances
• Unlawfully in the US
• No longer a US citizen
• Dishonorably discharged from the US military

If you’ve been charged with illegal gun ownership, do not wait to contact Ronnie Santana to learn more about your rights and what legal options are available to you.

Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Minneapolis

​As of 2024, shooting incidents in north Minneapolis are the lowest they’ve been in over a decade. However, that doesn’t mean that gun crimes have gone away. In 2025, 65 people were charged with weapon law violations in Minneapolis. Additionally, a total of 476 shots-fired emergency calls were placed, and 17 gunshot wound victims received care in local hospitals like Abbot Northwestern Hospital.

If you’re facing weapons charges in Minneapolis, do not wait to hire a gun crime lawyer who can protect your rights and your future. Attorney Ronnie Santana has spent years advocating for residents throughout Minnesota and is prepared to fight the weapons charges you’re facing, no matter how severe they may be. His unique insight into criminal law and years of courtroom experience help him craft powerful defenses.

Meet Our Founding Attorney – Roonie Santana Ronnie Santana is the founding attorney at Santana Law PLLC,serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with dedicated felony criminal defense representation. With extensive experience handling serious felony charges, he provides strategic, aggressive advocacy focused on protecting your rights, limiting exposure, and pursuing the best possible outcome. Ronnie’s client-first approach ensures every case receives personal attention and a strong defense. View Profile

FAQs

​Can You Own a Gun If You Have Been Convicted of Domestic Violence in Minnesota?

Minnesota laws prohibit people with domestic violence convictions or active Orders of Protection against them from owning guns. If you are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in Minnesota, you’ll lose your gun rights for three years. However, a felony conviction will leave you barred from firearm possession for the rest of your life.

​How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Minnesota?

​The total price you pay to hire a gun crime lawyer in Minnesota will depend heavily on the unique circumstances of your case. For example, whether or not your case goes to trial, how long your case takes to settle, the complexity of your charges, and your lawyer’s reputation can all impact the amount you pay. You should discuss all pricing concerns with your lawyer during your initial consultation.

​When Should You Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Minnesota?

If you are arrested for a weapons crime in Minnesota, it’s important that you hire a gun crime lawyer quickly. A gun crime lawyer is a criminal defense lawyer with specific experience in weapons violation cases. They can use their knowledge and experience to build a powerful defense that advocates for the reduction or dismissal of your charges. Because gun crimes carry severe consequences, it’s crucial that you hire a lawyer who can protect your rights.

​What Happens If You Get Caught With an Illegal Gun in Minnesota?

If you get caught with an illegal gun in Minnesota, you could face gross misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case and your criminal history. In the most extreme cases, you could face heavy fines, prison sentences, and the permanent forfeiture of your right to own firearms.

​Your Minneapolis Gun Crime Lawyer

​If you’re facing gun crime charges in Minneapolis, do not wait to take action. As a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorney, you can trust Ronnie Santana at Santana Law, PLLC, to fight the charges against you. His extensive legal experience and knowledge help him provide superior defense services for residents across the state. Contact the office to schedule a consultation. He offers services in both English and Spanish.

Minneapolis,MN Felony Legal Resources

• Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
• Hennepin County District Court – Criminal Division
• Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure – Appendix of Forms
• Criminal Case FAQ – Hennepin County District Court

About Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and home to a diverse population, multiple universities, and a busy urban core. With more than 400,000 residents and thousands of commuters traveling in daily, the city sees a wide range of criminal charges—from DUI and drug-related offenses to assault, theft, and felony-level allegations. Criminal matters arising in Minneapolis are typically handled through the Hennepin County District Court, located downtown, with law enforcement actions led by the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police, University of Minnesota Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Because Minneapolis includes entertainment districts such as Downtown East, North Loop, Uptown, Dinkytown, and Stadium Village, the city frequently experiences arrests tied to nightlife-related incidents, disorderly conduct, traffic stops, and alcohol-related offenses. The city’s proximity to major highways—including I-94, I-35W, and Hwy 55—also contributes to an increase in traffic and vehicle-based criminal allegations such as reckless driving, DWI, and vehicle-related drug offenses.