When it comes to your right to carry a firearm in the state of Michigan there are a couple of things but you should know. The first one is that it is always well within your right to be able to carry the weapon but it depends on where you are carrying it as well as how you are carrying the firearm.
In the state of Michigan, there is such a thing as an open carrying of a firearm and a concealed carrying of a firearm. While both activities include the carrying of a firearm the consequences of doing so and the legal requirements of being able to do so are very different.
In this article, let us talk about the other crimes involving the possession or ownership of a firearm.
Carrying Concealed Weapons is a felony.
As we have discussed in a previous article, carrying a concealed weapon is a felony. According to federal laws, a person who is convicted of a felony loses all of his rights relating to the second amendment and he cannot own or possess a firearm. Possession of a firearm, when convicted of a felony, is a bigger felony.
It is reiterated that a felony conviction means not being able to own a gun or having the need to restore gun rights after the ten-year waiting period. There are misdemeanor offenses that do not include prevention from gun ownership or possession but most of the misdemeanor convictions deny an individual his CPL privileges for a period of up to 8 years.
What other crimes are associated with carrying a pistol?
Just because you have been granted a concealed pistol license does not mean that you are already allowed to carry the pistol everywhere else. In a previous article, we have already discussed the possibility of getting charges filed against you when you failed to conceal or not leave your pistol at home when visiting a pistol-free place.
When you attend the eligibility training, you should be well informed of your rights as a citizen of the United States and your obligations as a license holder.
However, here at Haque Legal, we believe that it is important that you always know how you can properly protect yourself against charges that are not proper and show that you have just used your pistol for self-defense, in case you cause damage or injury to another person.
To properly protect yourself, you would first need to know the criminal charges that you may face if you draw or use a firearm against another person.
If you carry a concealed weapon without a permit, you may end up with a felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison. Whether you have a permit to carry the vehicle or not is of no moment if you are being charged with an assault crime or a firearm crime.
What are the charges that you should watch out for?
The following are the charges that you should watch out for, such:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- Assault with intent to murder
- Homicide
- Intentionally discharging a firearm aimed without malice
- Possession of a firearm on prohibited premises
- Brandishing a firearm
- Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Possession of firearm under the influence
What if I used my pistol but only for self-defense?
Even if you used your pistol only for self-defense, you will still need to defend yourself in court. This is a basic facet of criminal law.
The good thing is that Michigan is a Castle Doctrine state which follows the stand your ground law. According to the law, a person may use deadly force if he has the legal right to use such force.
For example, when your house is made the subject of a burglary, you would have a right to defend your life and your property against the intrusion. In the following instances, it is necessary to use force to prevent the following:
- When there is imminent death that will be caused by the victim to your person;
- When there is imminent great bodily harm that would be caused to you or another individual;
- When there is imminent sexual assault of himself or herself or of another individual that you need to protect; and
When you are acting in self-defense, you need to have a good lawyer who will tell the court just that. Especially if the odds are stacked against you and your use of your pistol, you need a great legal team behind you.
What do I do when I am stopped in traffic and I am carrying a pistol?
If you are stopped at a traffic light and you are carrying out this so there is no need for you to panic and the only thing that you need to do is to show them your license as well as your concealed pistol license. There is no need for you to answer other questions and if the police officers continue proving and investigating you only need to contact your lawyer to make sure that things get handled properly.
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For any other problem, Haque Legal can help. A lawyer at Haque Legal will see to it that your needs are met from beginning to the end of the proceedings. You are always in good hands with Haque Legal.
Disclaimer
The article that you have read is based on general applications of the law. It is not legal advice and it is not to be construed as any legal consultation with the firm. No client-attorney relationship is created when you read the articles we have provided.
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If you are having trouble with getting your license, call us immediately. If you have any problem with the law or are seeking justice and truth, our numbers are standing by to take your call. If you have a problem with your eligibility, we are here to help.