Firearm and Weapon Crimes

The Second Amendment of the Constitution grants Americans the right to bear arms. However, of course, the right to bear arms is not without its limitations. Michigan enacted laws that limit the use of firearms and also enacted laws that make it illegal to possess and/or use other types of weapons.

A firearm or weapon conviction is very serious. The consequence of a firearm or weapons conviction can be crippling. Aside from steep fines, and lengthy jail time, a firearms or weapons conviction can lead to loss of employment, loss of employment opportunities, revocation of a professional license, restrictions on gun ownership, and a criminal record.  

 

Specific Firearm and Weapon Offenses

The below are the most commonly prosecuted firearm and weapons offenses that include the element of intent. Intent crimes require the prosecution to prove a person’s mental state beyond a reasonable doubt.

Carrying a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent: This law prohibits a person from carrying a dangerous weapon with the intent to use unlawfully against another person. The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to a $2,500.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.226.

 

The below are the most commonly prosecuted firearm and weapons offenses that do not include the element of intent.

 

Sale or Possession of a Taser: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $2,000.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.224a.

Manufacture, Sale, or Possession of a Short-Barreled Shot-Gun or Short-Barreled Rifle: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $2,500.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.224b.

Manufacture, Distribute, Sale, or Use of Piercing Ammunition: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $2,000.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.224c.

Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, Possession, or Attempt thereof, a Device Intended to be used to convert a Semiautomatic Firearm to a Fully Automatic Firearm: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $2,000.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.224e.

Possession of Firearm or Distribution of Ammunition by Convicted Felon: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $5,000.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.224f.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon: The crime is a felony and punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to a $2,500.00. However, an exception exists for those who carry a concealed weapon in their home, place of business, or other land that is owned by that person. Michigan Penal Code §750.227.

Transportation or Possession of Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle, Aircraft, or Boat: The crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $2,500.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.227c.

Possession of a Firearm on Certain Premises: This includes a financial institution, house of worship, court, theater, sports arena, day care center, and hospital. The crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to a $100.00. Michigan Penal Code §750.234d.

 

Defenses

Due to the lasting impact of a firearm or weapons convictions, you will need an aggressive and experienced attorney on your side. Ray Law provides rigorous legal defense, and will fight to mitigate the impact of the drug charge. 

Ray Law will expose the weakness of the prosecution’s case. Such weaknesses can include illegally obtained evidence, improper policing, baseless warrants, and the prosecutor’s erroneous interpretation of the law.

 

Immigration Impact

If you are charged with a crime, and are not a U.S. Citizen, the criminal charge alone may negatively impact your immigration status and/or your ability to apply for nonimmigrant and/or immigrant status.

 

Under immigration law, a weapon offense or guilty plea, itself, can subject a person to deportation proceedings. Additionally, if any criminal matter is expunged or dismissed, police report(s) and court disposition will always be required, regardless of the age of the offense.

 

A weapon offense should always be taken seriously. If not handled properly, a weapon offense can significantly negatively impact your life.

You will need the Ray Law advantage, and the expertise of our attorneys to properly and successfully handle your case. We will fight to ensure that the weapon offense will not negatively impact your record. 

Ray Law International specializes in both criminal and immigration law. Here at Ray Law we have the best attorneys to represent you in the court of law, as well as the best attorneys to successfully represent you through the immigration process. 

 

Use the Ray Law Advantage!!