Ann Arbor Gun Charge Lawyers

Ann Arbor Gun Charge Lawyers

Gun ownership makes for a hot public debate. Everyone has an opinion. Still, in Michigan, several residents have firearms. The reasons can vary. Some possess guns for safety, others for hunting or sport. However, if you are facing a gun charge, then you have to understand that the state of Michigan is hard on gun crimes and takes them very seriously.

If you have been charged with a gun crime, you may not know what to expect or what your future will look like. It is always better to understand your rights and what your options are in a perilous situation like this. Speaking with an Ann Arbor gun charge attorney at the Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman can help you protect yourself.  As a defense attorney, I know how everything you are experiencing can make you feel afraid and unsure. However, owning a gun and becoming proficient with it does not mean you are a criminal or that you violated the law. Due to the severity of harm a gun can inflict, though, if any mistake or error is made with a gun, criminal charges can follow.

Understanding Michigan Gun Crimes

The Second Amendment is alive and well in Michigan, and it protects gun owners. Despite this, there are laws that must be followed. Whether one willfully decides to violate gun laws or is unaware that they have illegally used their gun, both can be held accountable under the law and face criminal penalties. This is why it is incredibly important for every gun owner to know the laws and make sure to strictly follow them.

For instance, concealed carry is permitted in Michigan, but it does require a license. To obtain a concealed carry license, the following requirements must be met:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Be a legal U.S. citizen or a legal noncitizen.
• Successful completion of a certified handgun safety training course.
• No criminal history of a felony or be someone with a pending felony charge.
• Be a resident of Michigan who has lived in the state for at least six months.
• Nothing prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
• You have not been discharged from the armed forces.
• You have not been convicted of certain misdemeanors within the last eight years.

It is possible to be charged with a gun crime in any of the following scenarios:

• You are handling your gun, and an unlawful discharge happens.
• When a gun is brandished, aimed, or pointed in public.
• Possession of a concealed weapon in the absence of a valid and lawful license.
• When a felon has possession of a gun.

Penalties for Gun Charges

A gun charge conviction in Michigan can mean penalties, including prison for as long as five years and fines as high as $2,500. Plus, if there are other exacerbating factors involved in one’s gun charge, then the penalties can be increased and made much more severe.

Ann Arbor Gun Charge Lawyers Who Can Help

When you are facing a gun charge in Michigan, we at the Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman are prepared and ready to assist. Contact us to speak with an Ann Arbor gun charge lawyer today to learn more about how we can help you defend yourself against your charges.