The Second Amendment: What You Need to Know About Gun Laws
Owning a firearm is your right as a US citizen under the second amendment. 46% of American households own at least one firearm—more than 81.4 million people. As a gun owner, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your guns are used safely, stored securely, and that they don’t end up in the wrong hands. Should you choose to disregard the law surrounding firearms, you could face significant consequences.
There are numerous Michigan laws that cover possession, ownership, and criminal activity with respect to guns and weapons. The Law Firm of Ray Cassar is a strong advocate of gun rights in the United States and is here for you when and if you’re ever charged with firearm or weapon crimes. Let’s take a look at the Michigan laws surrounding guns.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Purchase a Firearm?
In the state of Michigan, you’re able to purchase a gun at the age of 18. Though it is legal to purchase a handgun at such a young age, you’re only able to do so with a purchase license from a private seller. In contrast, you can purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer (FFL) at the age of 21. You do not need a purchase license to buy a long gun—a firearm that is more than 26 inches long—in Michigan.
Anyone over the age of eighteen can purchase a long gun if they are not subjected to restrictions based on:
- Criminal history
- Mental health
- Any other disqualifying factor
Open Carry in Michigan
Michigan is an open-carry state. As stated by the Michigan State Police, “In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public as long as the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the firearm is concealed. You will not find a law that states it is legal to openly carry a firearm. It is legal because there is no Michigan law that prohibits it; however, Michigan law limits the premises on which a person may carry a firearm.”
You are prohibited from carrying a firearm in the following areas:
- Schools
- Public/private daycares
- Sports arena
- Hospital
- Casino
- Any property owned by a church or religious practice
- A bar where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor
For those that have a valid Michigan concealed pistol license (CPL), you can obtain a gun in a concealed or non-concealed manner, except in the listed areas above. Additionally, having your CPL allows you to carry a gun in your vehicle so long as it’s unloaded, in a closed case designed for firearms, and in a space that’s not easily accessible to you or the occupants.
Gun Laws in Michigan
Carrying a weapon without a permit or license is a felony charge in the state of Michigan and comes with up to five years in prison and fines up to $2,500. Due to the elaborate gun laws that the Michigan Legislature has enacted over the years, referencing the Michigan Penal Code can further educate you on gun laws and regulations.
Why Choose The Law Offices Of Ray Cassar
If you have been charged with a firearm-related crime relating to possession or ownership of a weapon, then it’s important to hire the right defense attorney to defend your case. This is a complex area of criminal law, and a skilled Michigan defense attorney will help you avoid steep penalties.
Our team at the Law Offices of Raymond A Cassar are firm advocates of gun rights in the United States. We will fight to ensure that you avoid conviction and jail time, ensuring that you can maintain your rights to own or possess a firearm. Get in touch today for more information and discover how we’ll support you from beginning to end.