Weapons / Firearm Charges
Weapons & Firearm Charges in Michigan
Michigan aggressively prosecutes gun and weapon offenses, and a conviction can lead to jail time, mandatory sentencing, firearm bans, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you are accused of carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a firearm illegally, or facing a felony firearm enhancement, you need an experienced defense attorney immediately.
This page covers the most common firearm and dangerous weapon charges in Michigan and how our firm defends your rights.
Michigan Gun Laws Overview
Michigan law covers a wide range of firearm-related rules involving:
- Open and concealed carry
- Pistol registration
- Prohibited persons
- Transporting firearms
- Self-defense and deadly force
- Weapons-free zones
Charges often arise from misunderstandings, improper police stops, or technical violations—not criminal intent. An attorney can challenge improper searches, invalid traffic stops, and unlawful firearm seizures.
Felony Firearm
Felony Firearm (MCL 750.227b) is one of the most serious and unforgiving charges in Michigan. It carries mandatory prison time that must run consecutively to the underlying felony:
- 1st offense: 2 years mandatory
- 2nd offense: 5 years mandatory
- 3rd offense: 10 years mandatory
Defenses often include:
- Challenging whether the firearm was in possession
- Proving lack of knowledge or access
- Attacking unlawful searches or vehicle stops
- Showing the gun belonged to someone else
- Establishing no underlying felony applies
Winning a felony firearm case can drastically change the outcome of the entire situation.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW)
You may face CCW charges if accused of carrying a pistol:
- In a vehicle
- On your body
- Without a valid CPL
- With an expired CPL
- In a prohibited area
CCW is a 5-year felony, even if you were not committing any other crime.
Common defenses include:
- Unlawful search or traffic stop
- The firearm was not concealed
- You were transporting the firearm legally
- Mistaken identity or ownership
- CPL exemption situations
CCW cases are often beatable with the right strategy.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
A person with certain prior convictions is prohibited from possessing, owning, or transporting a firearm until rights are restored.
Prosecutors must prove:
- Actual or constructive possession
- That the prior conviction is “specified”
- That the statutory rights-restoration period has not expired
Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and firearm forfeiture.
Defense strategies include:
- Challenging whether you possessed the firearm
- Determining whether the prior conviction legally qualifies
- Identifying restoration of rights
- Suppressing illegally obtained evidence
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
This charge applies if a person knowingly—or sometimes unknowingly—possessed a firearm reported as stolen. Many clients are charged simply because they bought a gun from someone without knowing its history.
A skilled defense can argue:
- Lack of knowledge that the firearm was stolen
- Misidentification of the firearm
- Incomplete or inaccurate police reporting
- Improperly executed firearm trace
- Unconstitutional search or seizure
This is often a misunderstood charge that can be successfully challenged.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Unlawful discharge may involve:
- Firing a gun in a prohibited area
- Negligent or reckless discharge
- Celebratory gunfire
- Firing a gun from a vehicle
- Property damage or endangerment
Penalties vary from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the situation.
Defenses include:
- Accident or lack of intent
- Self-defense or defense of others
- No evidence the discharge occurred
- Faulty witness statements
- Firearm malfunction
Possession of Dangerous Weapons
Michigan restricts possession of certain weapons, including:
- Switchblades
- Brass knuckles
- Short-barreled shotguns
- Explosives
- Certain knives
- Metallic knuckles
- Tasers without proper licensing
These charges often arise from traffic stops, searches, or items found during arrests for unrelated matters.
Defenses include:
- Lack of possession
- Legal exceptions
- Unconstitutional search
- Misclassification of the item
Many of these cases are technical and can be challenged effectively.
Penalties for Firearm Charges
Penalties vary but may include:
- Lengthy prison time (mandatory for some charges)
- Loss of firearm rights
- Felony record
- Fines and probation
- Firearm forfeiture
- No-contact orders
- Travel and employment restrictions
Because firearm laws are complex, the impact extends far beyond the courtroom.
Defense Strategies for Michigan Firearm Charges
We build the strongest possible defense by:
- Challenging illegal traffic stops and searches
- Suppressing unlawfully seized firearms
- Attacking weak or unreliable witness testimony
- Proving lack of intent or knowledge
- Demonstrating lawful possession or transport
- Investigating police misconduct or procedural errors
- Negotiating charge reductions or dismissals
Many gun charges can be reduced to non-firearm offenses—or dismissed entirely.
Speak With a Michigan Firearm Charges Attorney Today
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