Minnesota Gun Rights Restoration & Weapons Charges Defense
Lost your right to own or carry a firearm? We help Minnesotans get a second chance.
Minnesota Gun Rights: How People Lose Them
Minnesota does not require gun registration, and law-abiding adults may own most firearms without a special license. But certain criminal convictions, domestic-related offenses, and court orders can strip you of your right to possess or carry a gun. Common reasons people lose gun rights include:
- Felony convictions, especially crimes of violence
- Domestic assault or certain domestic-related offenses
- Orders for protection (OFP) or DANCOs with firearm restrictions
- Controlled substance convictions
- Certain juvenile adjudications
- Federal firearm prohibitions triggered by state convictions
Many people don’t realize the full impact of a plea or conviction until years later, when they are denied a firearm purchase, rejected by NICS, or told they can no longer hunt with family. That’s where we come in.
Who Is Prohibited from Possessing Firearms in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, some people are barred from possessing firearms either temporarily or permanently. While every case is different, you may be prohibited if you:
- Have a prior felony conviction, especially for a crime of violence
- Have a recent domestic assault, harassment, or OFP-related conviction
- Are subject to a qualifying order for protection or no-contact order
- Have certain drug-related convictions or are considered chemically dependent
- Have been adjudicated mentally ill or developmentally disabled under specific standards
- Have certain federal disqualifications that apply even if Minnesota law is silent
Paths to Restoring Your Gun Rights
Restoring firearm rights is not automatic, even if you’ve completed probation and turned your life around. Depending on your case, options may include:
- Petitioning the court for restoration of firearm rights Requesting judicial relief to restore firearm possession or carry rights based on your record and rehabilitation.
- Seeking expungement of eligible offenses Limiting how past records are accessed or used when they qualify for sealing under Minnesota law.
- Challenging classification of a prior conviction as a crime of violence Arguing that a past offense was incorrectly labeled in a way that triggers firearm prohibitions.
- Addressing domestic-related orders Reviewing and resolving Orders for Protection (OFPs) or DANCOs that impose firearm restrictions.
- Correcting inaccurate records Fixing court, law enforcement, or database errors that wrongly reflect your firearm status.
We start by reviewing your entire record, not just one conviction. Then we build a strategy that explains your rehabilitation, your need for firearms for hunting, work, or personal safety, and why restoration serves the interests of justice and public safety.
Federal Law, NICS, and Background Checks
Even if a Minnesota judge restores your firearm rights, federal law may still treat you as prohibited. That can lead to:
- Denials when you try to buy a firearm from a dealer
- NICS background check problems
- Risk of new federal charges if you possess a firearm while still federally barred
Defending Weapons Charges: Protecting Your Record and Rights
Gun rights restoration and weapons defense go hand in hand. If you’re currently facing a weapons charge, how your case is handled now can determine whether you ever lose your rights or whether you need restoration later. We defend clients charged with:
- Carrying a handgun without a permit
- Possessing a firearm as a prohibited person
- Transporting rifles or shotguns unlawfully in public
- Furnishing a weapon to a minor
- Using or possessing a firearm in connection with another crime
In many cases, the charge is based on an officer’s interpretation of a complicated statute or a questionable stop or search. We dig into the details, challenge the basis for the arrest, and work to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
Our Process for Gun Rights Restoration
Every case is different, but most restoration files follow a similar path:
- Comprehensive review of your criminal record, court files, and any orders affecting firearm rights.
- Determine eligibility under Minnesota law and identify any federal issues that could still apply.
- Gather supporting evidence: work history, treatment completion, letters of support, community involvement, and your reasons for seeking restoration.
- Prepare and file a detailed petition asking the court to restore your firearm rights, and serve all required agencies.
- Appear at the hearing, present your story, and argue why restoration is appropriate and consistent with public safety.
Why Work with Davis Defense on Gun Rights?
Gun rights restoration is not just paperwork—it’s storytelling, strategy, and credibility. Judges want to know who you are now, not just what’s in your old file. Prosecutors want to know they’re not being asked to take a blind risk. At Davis Defense, we:
- Take the time to understand your full history and goals
- Explain plainly what is and is not realistic in your case
- Prepare you for court and help you tell your story the right way
- Connect the dots between your rehabilitation, your need for firearms, and public safety
Assault
Drug Crimes
DWI / DUI
Expungement
Implied Consent / Test Refusal
Probation Violation
Sex Offenses
Theft Crimes
Interference With a 911 Call
Traffic Offenses
Criminal Vehicular Homicide
Criminal Vehicular Operation
Gun Rights & Firearm Restoration
DANCO & OFP Violations
Domestic Assault
White Collar Crimes
Federal Crimes
Juvenile Crimes
Minnesota Gun Rights Restoration & Weapons Charges FAQ
Can I restore my gun rights in Minnesota after a felony conviction?
In many cases, yes. Some felony convictions allow you to petition the court to restore your firearm rights if enough time has passed and you can show rehabilitation and a good reason for restoration. Other offenses, especially violent or certain domestic-related felonies, may be more difficult or not eligible. We review your criminal history, court records, and current circumstances to determine realistic options.
Can I own a gun after a domestic assault conviction in Minnesota?
Domestic assault convictions often trigger both state and federal firearm prohibitions. In some situations, you may be able to seek restoration through the court or challenge how the conviction is classified. Because federal law can still apply even if a state court restores your rights, it’s critical to have a lawyer who understands both layers. We look at the exact statute you were convicted under and how it interacts with federal law before taking any steps.
What if my gun rights were taken because of an order for protection (OFP) or DANCO?
Orders for protection and domestic abuse no-contact orders (DANCOs) can temporarily restrict your ability to possess firearms. Violations can also lead to new criminal charges. Once the order ends or is modified, you may be able to address firearm restrictions or seek restoration, depending on your full history. We help you understand how the order affects you now and what you can do going forward.
What is the difference between state gun rights and federal gun rights?
Minnesota law and federal law do not always line up. You could be eligible to restore your firearm rights under Minnesota law, but still be barred from possessing a firearm under federal law and the NICS background check system. A smart strategy considers both systems together so you don’t unintentionally commit a new crime by possessing a gun when federal law still says you cannot.
Do I need a lawyer for a weapons charge like carrying without a permit?
You should. Weapons charges can lead to jail time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term loss of gun rights. Even a first offense for carrying a handgun without a permit can be a gross misdemeanor, and repeat offenses can become felonies. An experienced defense lawyer can challenge the stop, the search, and whether the state can prove every element of the charge.
How long does gun rights restoration take?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Most restoration petitions take several months because they involve gathering records, preparing a detailed petition, notifying agencies, and appearing in court. The more complex your history, the more preparation is required. We walk you through each step and give you a realistic sense of the process.