In 2017, the state of Minnesota issued approximately 55,000 permits to purchase and possess a firearm. Stearns County issued 1,970 permits; Benton County issued 575 permits. Wright County and Sherburne County issued 1,797 and 1,496, respectively. However, every year counties around Minnesota deny applications to purchase and possess firearms based on the applicant’s past criminal convictions.
In Hennepin County, Stearns County and elsewhere, if someone has a felony conviction, or a conviction for a specified crime of violence defined under Minn. Stat. § 624.712, subdivision 5, an application for a permit to purchase/carry/possess a firearm will be denied.
Judicial Restoration of Ability to Possess Firearms and Ammunition by Convicted Felon
A person prohibited by state law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition because of a conviction or a delinquency adjudication for committing a crime of violence may petition a court to restore the ability to possess, receive, ship, or transport firearms.
The court may grant the relief sought if the person shows good cause to do so and the person has been released from physical confinement. If a petition for Restoration of Firearm Rights is denied, the person may not file another petition until three years have elapsed without the permission of the court.
Penalty for Possession of Firearm by Ineligible Person
Under Minnesota law, possession a firearm as an ineligible person is a very serious crime. Possession of any firearm as an ineligible person, either convicted felon or convicted of a crime of violence may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $30,000, or both.
