Michigan Gun Crime Defense Attorney
Having a concealed pistol license doesn't make you immune from a weapons charge, and a felony firearm add-on doesn't have to end in a mandatory prison sentence without a fight. I bring over 30 years of Michigan courtroom experience to CCW violations, felony firearm charges, and felon-in-possession cases, and you work with me directly, not an associate who picks up your file after the arraignment.
Michigan's gun laws punish technical violations as harshly as intentional ones, and prosecutors often stack charges the moment a firearm shows up anywhere near another offense. Understanding exactly what you're facing, and what can be challenged, starts with knowing how these charges actually work.
Concealed Weapons Violations Under MCL 750.227
Carrying a concealed pistol without a valid license, or outside the terms of your license, is a felony in Michigan, even for CPL holders who believed they were following the rules.
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to a $2,500 fine
- Felony conviction on your record, affecting employment and firearm rights going forward
Concealment can be found in situations that surprise people who thought they were carrying openly and lawfully: a jacket that shifts, a holster partially covered, a pistol in a glove box instead of a locked case. Whether the weapon was actually concealed, whether the stop that led to the charge was lawful, and whether you had a valid license at the time are all places a defense can start.
Felony Firearm: The Add-On Charge That Changes Everything
If a firearm was in your possession when you're accused of committing or attempting another felony, prosecutors can add a felony firearm charge under MCL 750.227b, on top of whatever the underlying charge already carries.
- 2 years mandatory, consecutive prison time on a first offense
- 5 years on a second conviction
- 10 years on a third or subsequent conviction
- No parole, probation, or suspended sentence during the mandatory term
This charge removes the judge's discretion entirely. The 2-year term is served in full, before your sentence on the underlying felony even begins. Mandatory minimums aren't the end of the conversation, though. Fighting the underlying felony, challenging possession, or negotiating the firearm charge separately are all still on the table, and 30+ years of handling complex Michigan felony cases means I know where those openings usually are.
Felon in Possession: Can You Get Your Gun Rights Back?
Michigan's felon-in-possession law, MCL 750.224f, bars people with certain felony convictions from possessing a firearm for a set period after their fines, imprisonment, and probation or parole are complete, three years for most felonies, five years for specified felonies involving violence or certain other factors. After that window closes, restoration isn't automatic in every case; it depends on your conviction and record. A felony record isn't the whole story, and expungement can sometimes remove the underlying disability entirely, which is why it's worth a direct conversation about where you actually stand.
A CCW Charge, Dismissed
In 2018, I represented a client in Ingham County facing a CCW charge. The charge was dismissed entirely on constitutional grounds after the preliminary examination, an outcome documented among my
case results. Licensed or not, a CCW charge is still defensible, and this case is proof that constitutional challenges to how a stop or search was conducted can end a case before it ever reaches trial.
Why Michigan Clients Trust Me With Gun Charges
- Direct, one-on-one access to me throughout your case, not an associate or case manager
- Over 30 years of Michigan courtroom experience, including complex felony and mandatory-minimum cases
- A documented history of constitutional challenges that end cases before trial
- Statewide availability, with 24/7 consultation for arrests and legal emergencies
Firearm charges frequently show up alongside other offenses, most often a traffic stop that starts as a suspected
DUI or OWI and turns into a weapons charge once an officer finds a firearm in the vehicle. If your case involves both, they need to be defended together, not by two lawyers working from separate files.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Gun Crime Questions, Answered
What happens if I get caught with a concealed weapon in Michigan?
Carrying a concealed pistol without a valid license, or outside your license's terms, is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Whether the weapon was legally concealed, whether the stop was lawful, and your licensing status at the time all shape what happens next.
Is felony firearm a mandatory prison sentence in Michigan?
Yes. A first felony firearm conviction carries a mandatory 2-year prison term served before your sentence on the underlying felony begins, with no parole or probation available during that time. The underlying felony charge and the firearm charge can often be challenged separately, so a mandatory sentence on one doesn't mean the case is over.
Can a felon get their gun rights back in Michigan?
It depends on the conviction and how much time has passed since fines, imprisonment, and probation or parole were completed, generally three years for most felonies and five years for specified felonies. Some paths run through firearm rights restoration directly, and others through expungement of the underlying conviction, so the right approach depends on your specific record.
Let’s Get Started
A Permit Doesn't Always Stop the Charge, But a Defense Can
Whether you're facing a CCW violation, a felony firearm add-on, or a felon-in-possession charge, the details of your case determine what's possible. I'm available 24/7 for arrests and legal emergencies, and you'll work with me personally from the first call.
