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Yes. A Minnesota felony conviction can prohibit possession of firearms and ammunition under state law, federal law, or both. The exact offense, sentence, discharge and any restoration order matter. Finishing probation does not automatically resolve every firearm restriction.
Before accepting a plea or assuming that an old case no longer affects you, have an attorney review the actual court records. A short jail sentence, a change in offense classification or the passage of time is not enough by itself to establish eligibility.
Which Minnesota convictions affect firearm rights?
Minnesota Statutes section 624.713 lists several disqualifying categories, including qualifying convictions, certain court orders and other circumstances. Its crime-of-violence restriction generally lasts for life, subject to applicable restoration and historical rules. The lifetime provision applies to people discharged from sentence or court supervision for a crime of violence on or after August 1, 1993.
“Crime of violence” is a statutory category. Under section 624.712, subdivision 5, it includes listed felony offenses, including certain drug and property crimes. It is not limited to cases involving a physical injury. Calling an offense “nonviolent” in everyday conversation does not answer the firearm question.
For other convictions, the statutory definition of a disqualifying conviction and the effect of discharge or other relief must be examined. Do not assume that everyone with a felony has the same permanent restriction or the same restoration procedure.
Federal law requires a separate review
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. section 922(g) generally prohibits firearm and ammunition possession after a qualifying crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. The authorized punishment matters, not simply the time actually served. Other federal disqualifications can also apply.
Exceptions and the effect of a pardon, expungement, set-aside or restoration require careful analysis. ATF guidance explains that remaining firearm restrictions can prevent relief from restoring federal eligibility. A Minnesota court document should be reviewed for its federal effect as well as its state effect.
Can a Minnesota court restore firearm rights?
Section 609.165, subdivision 1d allows a person prohibited under state law because of a crime-of-violence conviction or delinquency adjudication to petition for restoration. The court may grant relief upon a showing of good cause and release from physical confinement. Approval is discretionary. After denial, another petition generally requires a three-year wait unless the court permits an earlier filing.
This is different from simply completing a sentence. The same statute preserves firearm restrictions for qualifying crimes of violence despite restoration of other civil rights. Counsel should identify the applicable remedy before preparing a petition; there is no universal filing that clears every state and federal disability.
What records should you bring to a lawyer?
- The complaint, plea agreement and judgment for each relevant case.
- Sentencing and discharge orders, including probation or supervision records.
- Any firearm restriction, restoration, pardon or expungement order.
- Records from other states or federal courts, and any current protective orders.
Ask for an explanation of each remaining restriction and the effect of any proposed relief. Follow current court orders while the issue is reviewed. Do not handle a firearm to test whether you are eligible.
Frequently asked questions
Does a nonviolent felony leave my gun rights intact?
Not necessarily. The Minnesota statutory category and federal disqualifications need review even when the incident involved no injury.
Does finishing probation automatically restore firearm rights?
No. It may affect the analysis, but a crime-of-violence restriction or another independent prohibition can remain.
Does reducing a felony to a misdemeanor settle the issue?
Do not assume so. The legal effect of the reduction must be examined separately. See our explanation of Minnesota felony-to-misdemeanor reductions.
Can a misdemeanor also affect firearm rights?
Yes. A qualifying domestic-assault conviction can raise separate restrictions. Read our guide to domestic assault and firearm rights in Minnesota.
Discuss your Minnesota case
Martine Law can review the records and explain possible next steps. Call to discuss your case. A Director of Client Engagement is a non-attorney who assists with intake and coordination; legal advice comes from an attorney.
General Minnesota legal information, not advice about your individual eligibility.
