Tasers and stun guns can be legal to own, carry, and use in Michigan, as long as people have the proper license and they follow all applicable laws. When people violate Michigan stun gun laws, they can face misdemeanor and felony charges, both of which may bring harsh penalties.
For those who want to carry stun guns legally in Michigan—and anyone accused of violating stun gun laws—knowing the ins and outs of these statutes and the related criminal charges can be integral to protecting their rights in and outside the courtroom. With that in mind, the following shares key information about stun gun laws, charges, and defense cases in Michigan.
As helpful as this information is, a 5-star Lansing criminal defense attorney at O’Keefe Law can provide more answers and case-specific advice whenever you need it.
More About Michigan Stun Gun Laws
Stun guns and tasers are devices that incapacitate targets with electrical currents. In Michigan, possessing stun guns and tasers was illegal prior to 2012, at which time an appeals court overturned a ban on these devices on grounds the ban was unconstitutional. Consequently, law-abiding Michiganders can currently own, carry, and use stun guns as long as they have:
- A valid concealed pistol license (CPL)
- Proof of having completed taser safety training
- An active identification and tracking system on their device, showing who purchased it, when it was first discharged, and potentially other data
- Lawful grounds to discharge the taser, meaning they only carry and use it for protection or self-defense
Where Is It Illegal to Carry a Stun Gun in Michigan?
Stun guns, like any legal weapon, cannot be carried in any place prohibited by state or federal law. This includes (and is not limited to):
to):
- Weapon-free school zones, daycare centers, college dormitories, and university classrooms
- Churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship
- Bars, taverns, pubs, and other liquor-selling businesses (where alcohol is intended to be consumed on site)
- Stadiums, sports arenas, and entertainment venues that seat at least 2,500 people
- Airports, casinos, hospitals, and other locations prohibited law
What Charges Are Filed for Violating Michigan Stun Gun Laws?
Owning a stun gun without a valid CPL can be met with class F felony charges, which may be punishable by up to 4 years in prison and/or up to $2,000 in fines. Other charges associated with violating Michigan stun gun laws include:
- Civil infractions: Penalized with fines of $100 or $500, these infractions can be brought for failures to carry a CPL with a stun gun, failures to notify an officer that you’re carrying a taser, and failures to show an officer an ID upon request. In some cases, the stun gun may be sized, and/or a CPL may be suspected or revoked, depending on the circumstances.
- Unlawful use of a taser: CPL holders who illegally discharge a taser at someone can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or up to $500 fines.
- Carrying a stun gun to a prohibited location: While a first offense is usually a civil infraction, a second offense will be a misdemeanor, and a third is typically charged as a felony.
An Experienced Lansing Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Ready to Help You: Contact O’Keefe Law
If you or someone you love has been accused of illegal possession or use of a stun gun, you need a strong defense if you are serious about achieving the best possible outcomes. You need Lansing Gun Defense Lawyer Patrick William O’Keefe.
The truth is that, when you’re facing serious weapons charges, you can only clear your name by winning in court—and your lawyer is crucial to the success of your defense and the resolution in your case. At O’Keefe Law, we don’t just fight for shorter sentences. We aim for the best possible resolutions, including dismissals and acquittals.
Call 517-273-0421 or email O’Keefe Law for a free, confidential consultation and important advice about your defense options.
Remember, it is never too early to hire the right attorney, but it could be too late.
The team at the O’Keefe Law Firm looks forward to defending you in any type of weapons or criminal case. In the meantime, 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.