Weapons charges for minors in Michigan can bring harsh penalties and long-term consequences. While the juvenile justice system can provide more room for leniency and rehabilitation-focused alternatives, it can still be complicated to navigate—and a weak defense can increase the risk of undeserved, overly severe charges and/or penalties.
For parents and minors who own guns or find themselves facing juvenile gun possession charges, knowing how Michigan weapons laws apply to minors is crucial. In light of that, the following shares some key information about the laws, prohibitions, and criminal charges related to juvenile gun possession. A Lansing criminal defense attorney at O’Keefe Law can explain more and provide case-specific advice whenever you need it.
Michigan prohibits minors, those under 18, from possessing firearms in public, unless:
Along with these laws restricting the possession of guns by minors, Michigan has related statutes, including laws prohibiting:
If a gun is sold to a minor or a minor gets a CPL or a license to buy a gun, prosecutors will likely have serious questions about whether forgery and/or other crimes were involved.
Charges vary by the circumstances of the case, including specifics like (but not exclusive to):
While these and other factors can result in minors facing misdemeanor or felony gun charges, it’s crucial to understand that:
Adult charges will come into play for 18 year olds accused of illegally possessing a gun. With more serious penalties, adult gun possession charges can mean years in prison if convicted.
If you or someone you love is facing juvenile gun possession charges, it’s time to contact Lansing Criminal Defense Lawyer Patrick William O’Keefe. The truth is that minors can make mistakes and find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. When that happens, good kids can face serious consequences, and the defense lawyer who is in their corner can make a major difference in the outcome of their case.
At O’Keefe Law, we don’t take the easy way out, and we never just fight for shorter sentences. We aim for the best possible resolutions, including dismissals, acquittals, and/or the many alternatives to incarceration.
Call 517-273-0421 or email O’Keefe Law for a free, confidential consultation and important advice about your defense options.
If you contact just one attorney, make sure it’s board-certified Defense Lawyer Patrick William O’Keefe.
Remember, it is never too early to hire the right attorney, but it could be too late.
With years of courtroom experience and extensive knowledge of the law and local courts, Attorney Patrick William O’Keefe can provide exceptional defense advocacy in one of the most important fights of a minor’s life. That includes honest advice, client-focused service and support throughout a case, and the defense representation he would demand in their shoes. And it includes tireless advocacy in the pursuit of fair, favorable outcomes.
The team at O’Keefe Law looks forward to hearing from you and helping you with a weapons case or any criminal case. Until then, check out some of our previous results and client testimonials to learn more about why we are a 5-star criminal defense law firm in and around Lansing, MI.
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