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Bemidji criminal defense

Minnesota Firearm Rights and Criminal Defense

Firearm eligibility can be affected by convictions, orders, pending charges, and other legal events. Blair Nelson helps northern Minnesota clients identify the governing state-law question before they possess, transfer, or seek restoration of a firearm.

Eligibility is fact-specific

Minnesota Statutes section 624.713 lists categories of people who may not possess certain firearms or ammunition. The analysis can depend on the offense, disposition, relationship, order, and whether state or federal law also applies.

Do not rely on an old discharge, expungement, pardon, or another person's opinion. Obtain a current legal review before taking possession or attempting a transfer.

Restoration is not automatic

Section 609.165 addresses restoration of civil rights and a judicial process for some crime-of-violence firearm disabilities. Section 624.713 contains a separate restoration process for certain civil-commitment disabilities. These paths have different requirements and do not cover every prohibition.

A petition requires accurate records and a court that can hear the matter. Filing a petition is not permission to possess while the prohibition remains in effect.

Local court context

Beltrami County District Court is the trial court serving Bemidji and Beltrami County. Counsel can help identify the right court, records, and procedural posture for a particular question.

This page is general information, not a determination that any person may lawfully possess a firearm.

Why Blair W. Nelson

Focused experience, stated accurately.

1996Admitted in Minnesota
MSBA CertifiedCriminal Law Specialist
2020-2026Selected to Super Lawyers
BemidjiLocal office since 2001

Related case result

U.S. District Court and Eighth CircuitWorth v. Jacobson

Minnesota's permit-to-carry age restriction was held unconstitutional.

Applying the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen framework, the federal courts held the age restriction in Minnesota Statute § 624.714 unconstitutional. On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Minnesota's petition for review, leaving the lower-court rulings in place and allowing qualified Minnesotans ages 18 to 20 to apply for and receive permits to carry.

Past results do not predict or guarantee a similar outcome.

View selected case results

Common questions

Useful context before you call.

These answers are general information. Your paperwork and facts control the advice for your matter.

Does restoration of civil rights always restore firearm rights?

No. Minnesota law distinguishes general civil-rights restoration from firearm disabilities, and federal law may also apply.

Can I possess a firearm while a petition is pending?

Do not possess while prohibited. A pending petition is not itself an order restoring eligibility.

Do domestic-assault matters affect firearm rights?

They can, depending on the conviction, relationship, order, and applicable state or federal rules.

Can a lawyer guarantee restoration?

No. A court decides a petition under the governing law and evidence.

Primary sources

Read the law and court information.

Related guide

6 min read

Restoring Firearm Rights in Minnesota: Questions to Ask

Minnesota has different rules for different firearm disabilities. Identify the source of every state and federal prohibition before considering a petition.

Read the Minnesota firearm-rights guide

Talk with the firm

Discuss a firearm or gun-rights matter with the Bemidji office.

Call 218-766-4936Request a consultationDo not send confidential details until representation is confirmed.