The 7th District Federal Court of Appeals ruled that age and zoning restrictions placed on gun ranges in the City Chicago violates the 2nd Amendment by being overly broad. Chicago city ordinances had prohibited anyone under 18 years-old from entering a gun range in the city. Additionally, gun ranges were only allowed in manufacturing districts… Read more »
BB guns are not firearms – MN Court of Appeals follows Supremes
Last month, the Minnesota Supreme Court reversed a felony conviction holding that air-powered BB guns not firearms for purposes of the possession of firearms statute. Today, the Minnesota Court of Appeals in Lue Yang followed the Supreme Court, extending the reasonable and rational definition of a firearm to the ‘Ineligible Persons’ firearm statute, prohibiting the… Read more »
BB Guns are not firearms – MN Supreme Court Reverses Felony Conviction
The Minnesota Supreme Court issued an opinion today that an air-powered BB gun is not a firearm for purposes of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and other illegal firearm possession crimes. The court reversed the felony-level prohibited person in possession of a firearm conviction. Prior to today’s decision in the Haywood case, MN courts… Read more »
Gun bill passed by MN Senate
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill last week to revise the current version of Minnesota’s gun laws. This bill makes relatively minor changes to Minnesota’s gun laws in comparison to the much more controversial bill proposed earlier this year that included restrictions on certain firearms and magazine capacities. The bill allows officials to gain access… Read more »
MN Supreme Court: Knowledge of possession required for firearm possession convictions
Today, in State v. Ndikum, the Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals holding that knowledge of possession of a pistol is an element of the crime of possession of a pistol in public. Mr. Ndikum, an attorney in Minneapolis, was originally charged with felony possession of a dangerous weapon within a courthouse complex… Read more »
Governor Vetoes Defense of Dwelling and Person Act
Citing law enforcement’s opposition to the bill, Governor Dayton vetoed the Minnesota Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2011 today. I have been following this bill closely as it made its way through the Minnesota legislature as it would have substantially changed the advice I give to my clients who own and carry firearms…. Read more »
Minnesota Defense of Dwelling and Person Act Passes House
As expected, the Minnesota House passed the Minnesota Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2011 on Wednesday. The bill passed by a vote of 85-47. The bill has been sent to Governor Mark Dayton for signature. After meeting with the bill’s sponsor and hearing opposition from law enforcement, Governor Dayton stated that he wait… Read more »
Minnesota bill would allow prosecutors to carry firearms
In a reaction to the shooting of Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell, a Minnesota legislator has authored HF1829, a bill that will allow County Attorneys and Assistant County Attorneys who possess a valid permit to carry a firearm to carry firearms while on duty. Currently, with the exception of licensed peace officers, Minnesota law prohibits… Read more »
Shooting inside Cook County, MN Courthouse
County Attorney, Tim Scannell, and a trial witness are the shooting victims of a courthouse shooting occurring this afternoon at the Cook County courthouse in Grand Marais, MN. Fortunately, it appears both will recover from their injuries. The shooting took place at the end of the day after a jury found Daniel Schlienz, the alleged… Read more »