Weapons offenses include recklessly handling, selling, possessing or shooting any dangerous weapon are taken extremely seriously in Minnesota and across America. If you are facing a weapons offense conviction your case will be handled through the federal court system which means you may succumb to federal sentencing. It is critical that you seek legal counsel as soon as you have been accused of this serious crime.

Weapons Offense Cases

Our firm handles all weapons offense cases including the following:

• Misdemeanor weapons offenses such as recklessly handling a gun or other dangerous weapon, intentionally pointing a gun (regardless of whether unloaded or loaded) towards another, manufacturing or selling a slingshot or “sand club”, manufacturing, transferring, or possessing metal knuckles or a switch blade, or possessing any other dangerous article or substance for the purpose of being used as a weapon against another.
• Gross misdemeanor offenses including any of the above if the offense was committed in a public housing zone, school property, or park the charge
• Felony weapons offenses including selling or possessing any firearm silencer or sound muffler and recklessly discharging a firearm within city limits. For these offenses you could be looking at up to two years in prison and $5,000 in fines. If either of these two offenses are committed on public housing property, school property, or in a park the potential sentence is elevated to up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• Serious felony weapons offenses including intentionally discharging a firearm in a situation that endangers the safety of another. This crime comes with a 5 year prison term and $10,000 in fines.
• Drive by shooting cases including recklessly discharging a firearm at or toward another vehicle or a building while in or just having exited from a motor vehicle as well as recklessly discharging a firearm toward a person or occupied building or vehicle. These serious weapon offenses come with up to 3 years in prison and $6,000 in fines or 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines respectively.

Weapons Offense Conviction

As mentioned above, if convicted of a weapons offense you could be facing fines and jail time in a federal institute. Even after you have served your time, you may have trouble finding work and accommodation with this black mark on your record. After all, employees and landlords are hesitant to hire and rent to someone with a history of weapons abuse.

Keep in mind, however, that a weapons offense arrest does not automatically mean a guilty sentence. There are a number of defense tactics you can take when facing a weapons offense including mistaken identity or self defense. Our Minneapolis weapon defense attorneys will assess your case, interview witnesses and experts and gather evidence t determine the best strategy for your situation.

Representation throughout Minnesota

Do not take any weapons offense arrest or accusation lightly. Rivers & Associates, PA are there when you need us most. It is important to act fast when facing an arrest and criminal conviction. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with the aggressive representation and legal assistance you need to ensure the best outcome possible. Contact us today at (612) 339-3939.

Our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.