Felony Criminal Possession of a Firearm

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitute guarantees that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Through the years, however, both the federal government and state governments have enacted laws and regulations concerning the sale and transfer of weapons. Also, there are limits on the types of firearms and ammunition citizens can possess. 

Michigan is no different. It has several statutes on the books that make it a crime to manufacture, sell, transfer, distribute, possess or use several types of firearms. It can also be a felony to possess or use a legally obtained firearm in the commission of a crime. 

If you find yourself being investigated for, or charged with, criminal possession of a firearm in or around Troy, Michigan, contact Attorney Ian Redmond immediately at the Law Offices of Barton Morris.   

I am a gun rights attorney familiar with all of Michigan’s firearms statutes and requirements and will help you understand and exercise all of your rights under the law. My firm also proudly serves clients throughout the counties of Macomb and Oakland, Michigan.

Michigan outright bans certain types of weapons and makes it a felony to manufacture, sell, transfer, distribute, own or use them in several instances. 

Michigan statute 750.224b covers short-barreled shotguns or rifles, a shotgun or rifle whose barrel is less than 26 inches. Though, the statute recognizes that some short-barreled shotguns or rifles greater than 26 inches may have federal registrations. If you make, manufacture, transfer, or possess a short-barreled shotgun or rifle without federal registration, it is a felony subject to up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. 

Michigan statute 750.224c prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of armor-piercing ammunition. According to the statute, armor-piercing ammunition “means a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a pistol and which is constructed entirely, excluding the presence of traces of other substances, of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, or beryllium copper.” 

The law does make exceptions for the manufacture and use of certain types of armor-piercing ammunition, but if you violate the main cause, you can face a felony with a maximum four-year prison term, a $2,000 fine, or both.   

Michigan statute 750.224d prohibits the real or attempted manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession of a device that is “designed or intended to be used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.” Fully automatic means the firearm will continue to discharge with only one pressure on the trigger.   

It is also illegal under the statute to teach someone how to convert a semi-automatic into an automatic weapon. The crime is a felony with penalties of up to four years in prison, a $2,000 fine, or both. 

Michigan statute 750.227b makes it a felony to possess a firearm on your person when you commit or attempt to commit a felony. A first offense carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to two years. The prison term rises with any subsequent violations.

A Look at Michigan’s Gun Laws

FELONY CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Stolen Firearms

Michigan statute 750.357b covers the theft of a firearm, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both. Michigan statute 750.355b deals with the transportation or shipping of stolen firearms or ammunition. The crime is again a felony, in this case, punishable by up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Bringing Firearms into Michigan

Nonresidents must have a concealed pistol or license issued by their home state on hand to purchase, carry, or transport a handgun in Michigan. Residents of another state may purchase rifles and shotguns in this state if they conform to the federal gun control act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, and the regulations issued under that act.

Felony Criminal Possession of a Firearm Attorney Serving Troy, Michigan 

If you’re facing an investigation or charges for criminal possession of a firearm, a prison term, fine, or both could be staring you in the face. You need to enlist the aid of an experienced gun rights attorney from the very beginning to explore all your legal options to chart the best path forward. If you run into legal problems concerning firearm possession in Troy, Michigan, contact me immediately at the Law Offices of Barton Morris.

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