An expansion of the 2009 criminal gang injunction law will close a loophole exploited by some adult gang members who use younger members to hold their firearms as a way to avoid additional criminal charges.
Sponsored by Rep. Carol McFarlane (R-White Bear Lake) and Sen. John Harrington (DFL-St. Paul), the law will expand the list of offenses that constitute gang activity to include unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor. It takes effect
Aug. 1, 2012.
According to McFarlane, a criminal gang that continuously or regularly engages in gang activity is considered a public nuisance, and a prosecutor can seek, and a court can enter, an order enjoining a person from engaging in gang activity.
The law was brought forth by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and is supported by the law enforcement community, cities and public event organizers who’ve had trouble with gang activity.
Youth legally carrying a firearm for hunting or target practice would not be affected by the change.
HF1245/
SF1123*/CH200
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