Grand Rapids Gun Lawyer

The Michigan State Constitution, as well as the Second Amendment, protects the rights of all citizens to keep and bear arms. In 2000, Michigan’s laws were amended to make it a “shall issue” state, allowing any person who meets certain requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit. Although the rights of eligible citizens to own and carry guns are protected under Michigan law, these rights are also subject to many restrictions.

When weapons of any kind are involved in an incident with law enforcement, serious criminal charges can result, and certain convictions can result in personal gun rights being suspended or revoked. To combat such charges, an individual should not hesitate before consulting with a Grand Rapids gun lawyer immediately.

If your Michigan concealed pistol license (CPL) was revoked or suspended, or if you feel that you were denied a CPL without good cause, a Grand Rapids gun lawyer can assist you in defending your Second Amendment rights. A Grand Rapids criminal attorney can also defend against a variety of gun-related criminal charges, such as those involving brandishing, discharging, or failing to disclose the presence of a firearm.

There are many different laws that must be followed when purchasing, transporting, firing, or carrying a gun in Michigan. Whether or not an individual is the holder of a concealed pistol license (CPL), any conduct relating to gun use must abide by all applicable state and federal laws at all times.

A CPL can be revoked or suspended for a number of reasons, and reinstatement can be extremely difficult. In addition, even a minor misdemeanor offense can become very serious very quickly and result in serious penalties if a person fails to disclose to the police officer that they are carrying a concealed weapon.

As Michigan gun laws and ammunition laws are complex and often intersect with federal regulations, the assistance of a Grand Rapids gun attorney with experience in handling these types of issues is essential if facing any criminal charges relating to gun use.

Citizens who seek to exercise their Second Amendment rights are not always encouraged to do so in society, in accordance to recent gun trends, and having an attorney on their side who understands the importance of the right to bear arms can make the difference between winning and losing a case.

Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 381, anyone who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply for and receive a license to lawfully carry a concealed weapon, or CPL:

• At least 21 years old
• US citizen or legal resident
• Michigan resident for at least six months
• Successful completion of a qualifying gun safety course
• No pending felony charges
• Not a convicted felon or convicted of certain misdemeanors
• No diagnosed or adjudicated mentally ill
• Not dishonorably discharged
• No court orders prohibiting the possession of a firearm

To better understand these guidelines, it is pertinent to contact a gun attorney in Grand Rapids when applying for a gun license.

Once a person has obtained a CPL, they must still comply with certain rules and restrictions on their behavior. In Michigan, there are certain pistol-free zones where guns may not be carried, either openly or concealed. These include:

• School property
• Liquor stores
• College classrooms and dorm rooms
• Churches
• Daycares
• Casinos
• Large entertainment facilities

If carrying a concealed weapon pursuant to a CPL and a person is stopped by law enforcement for any reason, they must disclose to the officer that they have a concealed weapon. They will be asked to present valid CPL paperwork and identification. Failure to announce to a law enforcement officer that an individual has a concealed weapon can result in a misdemeanor charge, thereby warranting attention from a gun lawyer in Grand Rapids.

It is illegal to carry a weapon in Michigan under the influence of alcohol. If stopped by law enforcement with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 or higher, an individual may be charged with a misdemeanor and their CPL may be suspended. If an individual is facing such a charge, they should contact a Grand Rapids gun lawyer as soon as possible.

Although Michigan law recognizes the rights of its citizens to carry concealed weapons, in practice these rights are often restricted. Police investigations can often escalate quickly when guns are involved, even if you are acting lawfully.

If you are fighting a CPL suspension or revocation, or are facing other gun-related charges, it is essential to obtain the assistance of a Grand Rapids gun attorney who understands the nuances of this particular area of the law. A gun lawyer in Grand Rapids will help you understand the state and federal laws that apply to your specific situation. We will work tirelessly to help protect your Second Amendment rights.