If you're accused of a gun crime in the state of Michigan, it's important to understand the gravity of the situation. You don't want to end up behind bars because you were unaware of the legal ramifications of your actions. You also don't want to end up with a harsh jail sentence because you didn't contact the right attorney.
At O'Keefe Law, we work with clients in the Lansing, Michigan region. We have a high level of expertise helping people with gun-related criminal charges.
Whether you're in East Lansing or Detroit, you'll be subject to Michigan state's laws for guns. Michigan is actually one of the toughest states in the country when it comes to gun laws. While you are allowed to conceal a handgun in the state of Michigan, you have to be over the age of 21 and not have a reason for exclusion.
This means that if you're in possession of a firearm without a concealed weapon license, you can be charged. You can also be charged if you possess a gun without fulfilling requirements. If the gun was not purchased legally, or you're ineligible due to a previous felony, you may face charges in a state court.
It's also illegal to own a range of other weapons in the state of Michigan. You may face charges if you are caught in possession of a bomb, machine gun, or bludgeon for example.
Michigan also factors in location when deciding on how severe your gun offense is. For example, you can't carry a gun at a church, hospital, daycare, or court. Doing so will result in more severe sentencing.
For this reason, it's even more critical to avoid carrying firearms if you believe you are going to a place that may have an additional ban on firearm possession.
The punishment you'll receive will depend on your case and the type of crime that you've committed. Regardless, it's important to understand the type of sentencing that you can expect if you're convicted of a gun-related crime. At present, you may receive up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine for illegally possessing a gun. If you want to avoid serious jail time, it's essential you get in touch with an attorney straight away.
Remember, you don't need to use a firearm to get in trouble for possessing it. If a police officer pulls your car over and searches it, you'll be charged if an illegal firearm is found. A police officer doesn't need to have a warrant for a specific gun; if they find something in a legal search, they can use it against you.
If you've already been convicted of a gun crime, you may want to appeal the decision. If you believe your previous attorney overlooked key evidence or didn’t provide adequate representation, you must hire an attorney that can get your case overturned in the appellate court.
We have plenty of experience helping gun crime clients fight their appeals. If you want a partner that you can trust to reverse your decision, get in touch with O'Keefe Law.
If you're looking for an attorney that understands East Lansing and the surrounding region, you've come to the right place. Our team of high-qualified criminal defense attorneys knows what it takes to fight for your rights in a Michigan state court. We work tirelessly to ensure every bit of evidence is reviewed—we take apart prosecutorial evidence in the courtroom.
Remember, if you're already facing allegations of a gun crime, it's essential to contact a lawyer straight away. The longer you wait to speak to an attorney, the worse your situation could become. Possession of a firearm is no small-time crime; if you have a felony on your record, you'll face a severe penalty.
If you need to speak to an attorney, get in contact with our team at O'Keefe Law. We'll begin the process of looking at your case and determining the best possible defense for the allegations.
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