If you’re facing charges for illegal firearms possession, you need the help of an experienced gun crime lawyer for your criminal defense. A conviction could end in a lengthy prison term and other serious consequences.
Michigan Laws
Michigan statute 750.224b prohibits making, manufacturing, transferring or possessing a short-barreled shotgun or rifle. There are exceptions for short-barreled shotguns that are legally possessed under federal law.
Michigan statute 750.224c prohibits the manufacturing, distribution, sale, or use of armor piercing ammunition.
Michigan statute 750.224e prohibits the manufacturing, sale, distribution, or possession of a semiautomatic firearm that has been modified into a fully automatic firearm. It also prohibits showing someone else how to make such a modification. A fully automatic firearm is one that loads successive cartridges into the magazine without renewed pressure on the trigger each time.
Michigan Penalties
Under Michigan statutes, possessing a short-barreled shotgun is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Using armor piercing ammunition is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Possessing a semiautomatic firearm that has been converted to fully automatic, or showing someone how to make such a modification, is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
However, the penalties reflected in the statutes may not be what a judge imposes if you’re convicted. A recent Michigan Supreme Court case gives judges the authority to decide “reasonable” sentences for criminal convictions. An experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer can talk to you about what this might mean for you. A lawyer also can advocate for a lighter sentence if you’re convicted.
Michigan Firearm Consequences
If you’re convicted of the possession of an illegal firearm, an illegally modified firearm, or illegal ammunition, you may face additional consequences that could impact your life for years to come, including:
- A lengthy probation term that will cost time, money, and require random drug and alcohol testing
- Difficulty securing employment
- Difficulty being admitted to certain professional associations
- Difficulty securing housing
- Restriction from buying, owning, or carrying firearms in the future
- Inability to pass a background check
- Loss of voting rights while carrying out sentence
- Difficulty obtaining a passport
