Gun and Other Weapon Charges

Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyers Representing Clients Facing Gun Charges

Gun violence has long been a problem in our state, with more than 26,000 gun-related crimes reported in Michigan in 2021. Prosecutors have been strictly enforcing gun laws to address public and media concern surrounding gun violence, resulting in an increase of gun and other weapon charges in the state. If you are convicted of a weapon-related charge, you may be incarcerated, fined, placed on probation, or subjected to a host of other penalties that could radically affect your future. Even if you are only convicted of a misdemeanor rather than a felony, the conviction will be on your record permanently, absent expungement, pardon, or some other mechanism for relief from judgement.

Under Michigan law, gun charges fall into three main categories. First, it is unlawful to carry a gun concealed by your clothing or accessories unless you have the proper license to carry a concealed weapon. Tucking a pistol into your belt and covering your waist with a sweater or coat would constitute a concealment. Note that the concealment identified in this charge need not be intentional. Simply forgetting you are in possession of a gun is not a defense.

A second type of weapons charge is called “felony-firearm.” This offense occurs where an individual is in possession of a gun during the commission of a separate felony. A felony-firearm conviction is separate and distinct from the underlying charge, and the sentence imposed is added to the end of the sentence on the underlying felony. For instance, if an individual is selling cocaine, which is a felony, and during the sale is in possession of a firearm, he or she can be convicted of two separate crimes, with the felony firearm conviction tacking and additional 2 years onto any sentence imposed for the drug sale.

Finally, it is illegal to possess a firearm in certain locations. For instance, you may not have a firearm while in a church, courthouse, day care facility, or hospital. There are certain areas that are designated as gun free zones, where sentences are enhanced as well.

There are also prohibitions regarding the possession of dangerous weapons other than guns. Sometimes the items prohibited are obvious, such as a massive knife, but others are less so, and dependent on the circumstances. Walking around with a baseball bat on a sports field is a very different matter than holding a baseball bat while breaking into an occupied home.

How to Challenge a Gun Charge

If you or a loved one is facing Michigan gun and other weapon charges, the consequences of a conviction can be immense. The experienced Michigan criminal defense attorneys at Neumann Law Group can help you avoid the worst consequences of a weapon charge conviction, and fight hard for dismissal of the charges or an acquittal.

We will examine the evidence against you to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. We can question the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the firearm, and if the evidence was obtained without a valid warrant or probable cause, it could be suppressed, making it inadmissible in court and possibly resulting in dismissal.

When appropriate, our lawyers confidently negotiate with the prosecution to secure a plea deal that involves reduced charges or penalties, such as probation or community service, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors and judges have wide discretion in plea negotiations and sentencing, and with our experience, our clients are confident that they have entered into a favorable plea agreement for themselves.

Regardless of what sort of weapons charge you are facing; it is crucial to contact an attorney as early as possible if you are facing gun or other weapons charges. If you have been charged with a crime, contact the experienced gun and other weapon charges attorneys at Neumann Law Group for a free consultation. Our criminal defense lawyers in Traverse City have experience representing clients charged with gun, or other weapons offenses. We represent clients for Michigan criminal defense issues throughout the state, with offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. Call at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free consultation. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.