Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorney Firearms Charges | Firearms Crimes in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS - FIREARMS

When you are facing serious criminal charges such as a firearms charge in the Grand Rapids area, it is important to have the representation of a good criminal defense lawyer. Krupp Law Offices has been providing quality criminal defense for over 85 years. If you are facing criminal charges or are being investigated for a firearms charge, call the criminal defense attorneys at Krupp Law Offices P.C. for a free phone consultation. During your phone consultation, our attorneys will provide you with immediate answers to your questions and schedule an appointment with one of our criminal defense attorneys.

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FIREARMS - CRIMES

750.222 Definitions.

Sec. 222.

As used in this chapter:

(a) “Alcoholic liquor” means that term as defined in section 105 of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1105.

(b) “Barrel length” means the internal length of a firearm as measured from the face of the closed breech of the firearm when it is unloaded, to the forward face of the end of the barrel.

(c) “Controlled substance” means a controlled substance or controlled substance analogue as those terms are defined in section 7104 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7104.

(d) “Firearm” means a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air. Firearm does not include a smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or air, BB's not exceeding .177 caliber.

(e) “Pistol” means a loaded or unloaded firearm that is 30 inches or less in length, or a loaded or unloaded firearm that by its construction and appearance conceals itself as a firearm.

(f) “Purchaser” means a person who receives a pistol from another person by purchase, gift, or loan.

(g) “Seller” means a person who sells, furnishes, loans, or gives a pistol to another person.

(h) “Shotgun” means a firearm designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single function of the trigger.

(i) “Short-barreled shotgun” means a shotgun having 1 or more barrels less than 18 inches in length or a weapon made from a shotgun, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

(j) “Rifle” means a firearm designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.

(k) “Short-barreled rifle” means a rifle having 1 or more barrels less than 16 inches in length or a weapon made from a rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

750.222a “Double-edged, nonfolding stabbing instrument” defined.

Sec. 222a.

(1) As used in this chapter, “doubled-edged, nonfolding stabbing instrument” does not include a knife, tool, implement, arrowhead, or artifact manufactured from stone by means of conchoidal fracturing.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an item being transported in a vehicle, unless the item is in a container and inaccessible to the driver.

750.223 Selling firearms and ammunition; violations; penalties; “licensed dealer” defined.

Sec. 223.

(1) A person who knowingly sells a pistol without complying with section 2 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927, as amended, being section 28.422 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

(2) A person who knowingly sells a firearm more than 30 inches in length to a person under 18 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both. A second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the person who sold the firearm asked to see and was shown a driver's license or identification card issued by a state that identified the purchaser as being 18 years of age or older.

(3) A seller shall not sell a firearm or ammunition to a person if the seller knows that either of the following circumstances exists:

(a) The person is under indictment for a felony. As used in this subdivision, “felony” means a violation of a law of this state, or of another state, or of the United States that is punishable by imprisonment for 4 years or more.

(b) The person is prohibited under section 224f from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm.

(4) A person who violates subsection (3) is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(5) As used in this section, “licensed dealer” means a person licensed under section 923 of chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code who regularly buys and sells firearms as a commercial activity with the principal objective of livelihood and profit.

750.224 Weapons; manufacture, sale, or possession as felony; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; "muffler" or "silencer" defined.

Sec. 224.

(1) A person shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess any of the following:

(a) A machine gun or firearm that shoots or is designed to shoot automatically more than 1 shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

(b) A muffler or silencer.

(c) A bomb or bombshell.

(d) A blackjack, slungshot, billy, metallic knuckles, sand club, sand bag, or bludgeon.

(e) A device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance designed to render a person temporarily or permanently disabled by the ejection, release, or emission of a gas or other substance.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following:

(a) A self-defense spray or foam device as defined in section 224d.

(b) A person manufacturing firearms, explosives, or munitions of war by virtue of a contract with a department of the government of the United States.

(c) A person licensed by the secretary of the treasury of the United States or the secretary's delegate to manufacture, sell, or possess a machine gun, or a device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance described in subsection (1).

(4) As used in this chapter, "muffler" or "silencer" means 1 or more of the following:

(a) A device for muffling, silencing, or deadening the report of a firearm.

(b) A combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a muffler or silencer.

(c) A part, designed or redesigned, and intended only for use in assembling or fabricating a muffler or silencer.

750.224a Portable device or weapon directing electrical current, impulse, wave, or beam; sale or possession prohibited; exceptions; use of electro-muscular disruption technology; violation; penalty; definitions.

Sec. 224a.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not sell, offer for sale, or possess in this state a portable device or weapon from which an electrical current, impulse, wave, or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave, or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure, or kill.

(2) This section does not prohibit any of the following:

(a) The possession and reasonable use of a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology by any of the following individuals, if the individual has been trained in the use, effects, and risks of the device, and is using the device while performing his or her official duties:

(i) A peace officer.

(ii) An employee of the department of corrections who is authorized in writing by the director of the department of corrections to possess and use the device.

(iii) A local corrections officer authorized in writing by the county sheriff to possess and use the device.

(iv) An individual employed by a local unit of government that utilizes a jail or lockup facility who has custody of persons detained or incarcerated in the jail or lockup facility and who is authorized in writing by the chief of police, director of public safety, or sheriff to possess and use the device.

(v) A probation officer.

(vi) A court officer.

(vii) A bail agent authorized under section 167b.

(viii) A licensed private investigator.

(ix) An aircraft pilot or aircraft crew member.

(x) An individual employed as a private security police officer. As used in this subparagraph, "private security police" means that term as defined in section 2 of the private security business and security alarm act, 1968 PA 330, MCL 338.1052.

(b) Possession solely for the purpose of delivering a device described in subsection (1) to any governmental agency or to a laboratory for testing, with the prior written approval of the governmental agency or law enforcement agency and under conditions determined to be appropriate by that agency.

(3) A manufacturer, authorized importer, or authorized dealer may demonstrate, offer for sale, hold for sale, sell, give, lend, or deliver a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology to a person authorized to possess a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology and may possess a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology for any of those purposes.

(4) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(5) As used in this section:

(a) "A device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology" means a device to which all of the following apply:

(i) The device is capable of creating an electro-muscular disruption and is used or intended to be used as a defensive device capable of temporarily incapacitating or immobilizing a person by the direction or emission of conducted energy.

(ii) The device contains an identification and tracking system that, when the device is initially used, dispenses coded material traceable to the purchaser through records kept by the manufacturer.

(iii) The manufacturer of the device has a policy of providing the identification and tracking information described in subparagraph (ii) to a police agency upon written request by that agency.

(b) "Local corrections officer" means that term as defined in section 2 of the local corrections officers training act, 2003 PA 125, MCL 791.532.

(c) "Peace officer" means any of the following:

(i) A police officer or public safety officer of this state or a political subdivision of this state, including motor carrier officers appointed under section 6d of 1935 PA 59, MCL 28.6d, and security personnel employed by the state under section 6c of 1935 PA 59, MCL 28.6c.

(ii) A sheriff or a sheriff's deputy.

(iii) A police officer or public safety officer of a junior college, college, or university who is authorized by the governing board of that junior college, college, or university to enforce state law and the rules and ordinances of that junior college, college, or university.

(iv) A township constable.

(v) A marshal of a city, village, or township.

(vi) A conservation officer of the department of natural resources or the department of environmental quality.

(vii) A law enforcement officer of another state or of a political subdivision of another state or a junior college, college, or university in another state, substantially corresponding to a law enforcement officer described in subparagraphs (i) to (vi).

(viii) A federal law enforcement officer.

750.224b Short-barreled shotgun or rifle; manufacture, sale, or possession as felony; penalty; exceptions; applicability to collector's item.

Sec. 224b.

(1) A person shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess a short-barreled shotgun or a short-barreled rifle.

(2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.

(3) This section does not apply to the sale, offering for sale, or possession of a short-barreled rifle or a short-barreled shotgun which the secretary of the treasury of the United States of America, or his or her delegate, under 26 USC, sections 5801 through 5872, or 18 USC, sections 921 through 928, has found to be a curio, relic, antique, museum piece, or collector's item not likely to be used as a weapon, but only if the person selling, offering for sale or possessing the firearm has also fully complied with section 2 or 2a of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.422 and 28.422a.

750.224c Armor piercing ammunition; manufacture, distribution, sale, or use prohibited; exceptions; violation as felony; penalty; definitions; exemption of projectile or projectile core; rule.

Sec. 224c.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person shall not manufacture, distribute, sell, or use armor piercing ammunition in this state. A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or by a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) This section does not apply to either of the following:

(a) A person who manufactures, distributes, sells, or uses armor piercing ammunition in this state, if that manufacture, distribution, sale, or use is not in violation of chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code.

(b) A licensed dealer who sells or distributes armor piercing ammunition in violation of this section if the licensed dealer is subject to license revocation under chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code for that sale or distribution.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “Armor piercing ammunition” means a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a pistol and which is constructed entirely, excluding the presence of traces of other substances, of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, or beryllium copper. Armor piercing ammunition does not include any of the following:

(i) Shotgun shot that is required by federal law or by a law of this state to be used for hunting purposes.

(ii) A frangible projectile designed for target shooting.

(iii) A projectile that the director of the department of state police finds is primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes.

(iv) A projectile or projectile core that the director of the department of state police finds is intended to be used for industrial purposes.

(b) “Licensed dealer” means a person licensed under chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code to deal in firearms or ammunition.

(4) The director of the department of state police shall exempt a projectile or projectile core under subsection (3)(a)(iii) or (iv) if that projectile or projectile core is exempted under chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code. The director of state police shall exempt a projectile or projectile core under subsection (3)(a)(iii) or (iv) only by a rule promulgated in compliance with the administrative procedures act of 1969, Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being sections 24.201 to 24.328 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

750.224d Self-defense spray or foam device.

Sec. 224d.

(1) As used in this section and section 224, "self-defense spray or foam device" means a device to which all of the following apply:

(a) The device is capable of carrying, and ejects, releases, or emits 1 of the following:

(i) Not more than 35 grams of any combination of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and inert ingredients.

(ii) A solution containing not more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.

(b) The device does not eject, release, or emit any gas or substance that will temporarily or permanently disable, incapacitate, injure, or harm a person with whom the gas or substance comes in contact, other than the substance described in subdivision (a)(i) or (ii).

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who uses a self-defense spray or foam device to eject, release, or emit orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum at another person is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(3) If a person uses a self-defense spray or foam device during the commission of a crime to eject, release, or emit orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum or threatens to use a self-defense spray or foam device during the commission of a crime to temporarily or permanently disable another person, the judge who imposes sentence upon a conviction for that crime shall consider the defendant's use or threatened use of the self-defense spray or foam device as a reason for enhancing the sentence.

(4) A person shall not sell a self-defense spray or foam device to a minor. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(5) Subsection (2) does not prohibit either of the following:

(a) The reasonable use of a self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 10% oleoresin capsicum by a person who is employed by a county sheriff or a chief of police and who is authorized in writing by the county sheriff or chief of police to carry and use a self-defense spray or foam device and has been trained in the use, effects, and risks of the device, while in performance of his or her official duties.

(b) The reasonable use of a self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 2% oleoresin capsicum by a person in the protection of a person or property under circumstances which would justify the person's use of physical force.

750.224e Conversion of semiautomatic firearm to fully automatic firearm; prohibited acts; penalty; applicability; “fully automatic firearm”, “licensed collector”, and “semiautomatic firearm” defined.

Sec. 224e.

(1) A person shall not knowingly do any of the following:

(a) Manufacture, sell, distribute, or possess or attempt to manufacture, sell, distribute, or possess a device that is designed or intended to be used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

(b) Demonstrate to another person or attempt to demonstrate to another person how to manufacture or install a device to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(3) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) A police agency of this state, or of a local unit of government of this state, or of the United States.

(b) An employee of an agency described in subdivision (a), if the manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession or attempted manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession or demonstration or attempted demonstration is in the course of his or her official duties as an employee of that agency.

(c) The armed forces.

(d) A member or employee of the armed forces, if the manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession or attempted manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession or demonstration or attempted demonstration is in the course of his or her official duties as a member or employee of the armed forces.

(e) A licensed collector who possesses a device that is designed or intended to be used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm that was lawfully owned by that licensed collector before the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section. This subdivision does not permit a licensed collector who lawfully owned a device that is designed or intended to be used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm before the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section to sell or distribute or attempt to sell or distribute that device to another person after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) “Fully automatic firearm” means a firearm employing gas pressure or force of recoil to mechanically eject an empty cartridge from the firearm after a shot, and to load the next cartridge from the magazine, without renewed pressure on the trigger for each successive shot.

(b) “Licensed collector” means a person who is licensed under chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States code to acquire, hold, or dispose of firearms as curios or relics.

(c) “Semiautomatic firearm” means a firearm employing gas pressure or force of recoil to mechanically eject an empty cartridge from the firearm after a shot, and to load the next cartridge from the magazine, but requiring renewed pressure on the trigger for each successive shot.

750.224f Possession of firearm by person convicted of felony; circumstances; penalty; applicability of section to expunged or set aside conviction; “felony” and “specified felony” defined.

Sec. 224f.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person convicted of a felony shall not possess, use, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or distribute a firearm in this state until the expiration of 3 years after all of the following circumstances exist:

(a) The person has paid all fines imposed for the violation.

(b) The person has served all terms of imprisonment imposed for the violation.

(c) The person has successfully completed all conditions of probation or parole imposed for the violation.

(2) A person convicted of a specified felony shall not possess, use, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or distribute a firearm in this state until all of the following circumstances exist:

(a) The expiration of 5 years after all of the following circumstances exist:

(i) The person has paid all fines imposed for the violation.

(ii) The person has served all terms of imprisonment imposed for the violation.

(iii) The person has successfully completed all conditions of probation or parole imposed for the violation.

(b) The person's right to possess, use, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or distribute a firearm has been restored pursuant to section 4 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927, being section 28.424 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(3) A person who possesses, uses, transports, sells, purchases, carries, ships, receives, or distributes a firearm in violation of this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(4) This section does not apply to a conviction that has been expunged or set aside, or for which the person has been pardoned, unless the expunction, order, or pardon expressly provides that the person shall not possess a firearm.

(5) As used in this section, “felony” means a violation of a law of this state, or of another state, or of the United States that is punishable by imprisonment for 4 years or more, or an attempt to violate such a law.

(6) As used in subsection (2), “specified felony” means a felony in which 1 or more of the following circumstances exist:

(i) An element of that felony is the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or that by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.

(ii) An element of that felony is the unlawful manufacture, possession, importation, exportation, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance.

(iii) An element of that felony is the unlawful possession or distribution of a firearm.

(iv) An element of that felony is the unlawful use of an explosive.

(v) The felony is burglary of an occupied dwelling, or breaking and entering an occupied dwelling, or arson.

750.226 Firearm or dangerous weapon; carrying with unlawful intent.

Sec. 226.

Carrying firearm or dangerous weapon with unlawful intent—Any person who, with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person of another, goes armed with a pistol or other firearm or dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than 2,500 dollars.

750.226a Pocket knife opened by mechanical device; unlawful sale or possession; persons exempted.

Sec. 226a.

Any person who shall sell or offer to sell, or any person who shall have in his possession any knife having the appearance of a pocket knife, the blade or blades of which can be opened by the flick of a button, pressure on a handle or other mechanical contrivance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not to exceed 1 year or by a fine of not to exceed $300.00, or both.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any one-armed person carrying a knife on his person in connection with his living requirements.

750.227 Concealed weapons; carrying; penalty.

Sec. 227.

(1) A person shall not carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon, except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such, concealed on or about his or her person, or whether concealed or otherwise in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business or on other land possessed by the person.

(2) A person shall not carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person, or, whether concealed or otherwise, in a vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person, without a license to carry the pistol as provided by law and if licensed, shall not carry the pistol in a place or manner inconsistent with any restrictions upon such license.

(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500.00.

750.227a Pistols; unlawful possession by licensee.

Sec. 227a.

Any person licensed in accordance with law to carry a pistol because he is engaged in the business of protecting the person or property of another, except peace officers of the United States, the state or any subdivision of the state railroad policemen appointed and commissioned under the provisions of Act No. 114 of the Public Acts of 1941, being sections 470.51 to 470.61 of the Compiled Laws of 1948 or those in the military service of the United States, who shall have a pistol in his possession while not actually engaged in the business of protecting the person or property of another, except in his dwelling house or on other land possessed by him, is guilty of a felony. This section shall not be construed to prohibit such person from carrying an unloaded pistol to or from his place of employment by the most direct route.

750.227b Carrying or possessing firearm when committing or attempting to commit felony; “law enforcement officer” defined.

Sec. 227b.

(1) A person who carries or has in his or her possession a firearm when he or she commits or attempts to commit a felony, except a violation of section 223, section 227, 227a or 230, is guilty of a felony, and shall be imprisoned for 2 years. Upon a second conviction under this section, the person shall be imprisoned for 5 years. Upon a third or subsequent conviction under this subsection, the person shall be imprisoned for 10 years.

(2) A term of imprisonment prescribed by this section is in addition to the sentence imposed for the conviction of the felony or the attempt to commit the felony, and shall be served consecutively with and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed for the conviction of the felony or attempt to commit the felony.

(3) A term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall not be suspended. The person subject to the sentence mandated by this section is not eligible for parole or probation during the mandatory term imposed pursuant to subsection (1).

(4) This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm while in the official performance of his or her duties, and who is in the performance of those duties. As used in this subsection, “law enforcement officer” means a person who is regularly employed as a member of a duly authorized police agency or other organization of the United States, this state, or a city, county, township, or village of this state, and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the general criminal laws of this state.

750.227c Transporting or possessing loaded firearm in or upon vehicle; violation as misdemeanor; penalty; applicability to person violating MCL 312.10(1)(g).

Sec. 227c.

(1) Except as otherwise permitted by law, a person shall not transport or possess in or upon a sailboat or a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, or any other vehicle propelled by mechanical means, a firearm, other than a pistol, which is loaded.

(2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.

(3) This section does not apply to a person who violates section 10(1)(g) of chapter II of Act No. 286 of the Public Acts of 1929, as amended, being section 312.10 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

750.227d Transporting or possessing firearm in or upon motor vehicle or self-propelled vehicle designed for land travel; conditions; violation as misdemeanor; penalty.

Sec. 227d.

(1) Except as otherwise permitted by law, a person shall not transport or possess in or upon a motor vehicle or any self-propelled vehicle designed for land travel a firearm, other than a pistol, unless the firearm is unloaded and is 1 or more of the following:

(a) Taken down.

(b) Enclosed in a case.

(c) Carried in the trunk of the vehicle.

(d) Inaccessible from the interior of the vehicle.

(2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

750.227f Committing or attempting to commit crime involving violent act or threat of violent act against another person while wearing body armor as felony; penalty; consecutive term of imprisonment; exception; definitions.

Sec. 227f.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an individual who commits or attempts to commit a crime that involves a violent act or a threat of a violent act against another person while wearing body armor is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both. A term of imprisonment imposed for violating this section may be served consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed for the crime committed or attempted.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to either of the following:

(a) A peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing his or her duties as a peace officer while on or off a scheduled work shift as a peace officer.

(b) A security officer performing his or her duties as a security officer while on a scheduled work shift as a security officer.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “Body armor” means clothing or a device designed or intended to protect an individual's body or a portion of an individual's body from injury caused by a firearm.

(b) “Security officer” means an individual lawfully employed to physically protect another individual or to physically protect the property of another person.

750.227g Body armor; purchase, ownership, possession, or use by convicted felon; prohibition; issuance of written permission; violation as felony; definitions.

Sec. 227g.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who has been convicted of a violent felony shall not purchase, own, possess, or use body armor.

(2) A person who has been convicted of a violent felony whose employment, livelihood, or safety is dependent on his or her ability to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor may petition the chief of police of the local unit of government in which he or she resides or, if he or she does not reside in a local unit of government that has a police department, the county sheriff, for written permission to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor under this section.

(3) The chief of police of a local unit of government or the county sheriff may grant a person who properly petitions that chief of police or county sheriff under subsection (2) written permission to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor as provided in this section if the chief of police or county sheriff determines that both of the following circumstances exist:

(a) The petitioner is likely to use body armor in a safe and lawful manner.

(b) The petitioner has reasonable need for the protection provided by body armor.

(4) In making the determination required under subsection (3), the chief of police or county sheriff shall consider all of the following:

(a) The petitioner's continued employment.

(b) The interests of justice.

(c) Other circumstances justifying issuance of written permission to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor.

(5) The chief of police or county sheriff may restrict written permission issued to a petitioner under this section in any manner determined appropriate by that chief of police or county sheriff. If permission is restricted, the chief of police or county sheriff shall state the restrictions in the permission document.

(6) It is the intent of the legislature that chiefs of police and county sheriffs exercise broad discretion in determining whether to issue written permission to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor under this section. However, nothing in this section requires a chief of police or county sheriff to issue written permission to any particular petitioner. The issuance of written permission to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor under this section does not relieve any person or entity from criminal liability that might otherwise be imposed.

(7) A person who receives written permission from a chief of police or county sheriff to purchase, own, possess, or use body armor shall have that written permission in his or her possession when he or she is purchasing, owning, possessing, or using body armor.

(8) A law enforcement agency may issue body armor to a person who is in custody or who is a witness to a crime for his or her own protection without a petition being previously filed under subsection (2). If the law enforcement agency issues body armor to the person under this subsection, the law enforcement agency shall document the reasons for issuing body armor and retain a copy of that document as an official record. The law enforcement agency shall also issue written permission to the person to possess and use body armor under this section.

(9) A person who violates this section is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) For a violation of subsection (1), the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(b) For a violation of subsection (7), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

(10) As used in this section:

(a) “Body armor” means that term as defined in section 227f.

(b) “Violent felony” means that term as defined in section 36 of 1953 PA 232, MCL 791.236.

750.230 Firearms; altering, removing, or obliterating marks of identity; presumption.

Sec. 230.

A person who shall wilfully alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's number, or other mark of identity of a pistol or other firearm, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or fine of not more than $1,000.00. Possession of a firearm upon which the number shall have been altered, removed, or obliterated, other than an antique firearm as defined by section 231a(2)(a) or (b), shall be presumptive evidence that the possessor has altered, removed, or obliterated the same.

750.232a Obtaining pistol in violation of MCL 28.422; intentionally making material false statement on application for license to purchase pistol; using or attempting to use false identification or identification of another person to purchase firearm; penalties.

Sec. 232a.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person who obtains a pistol in violation of section 2 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927, as amended, being section 28.422 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who obtained a pistol in violation of section 2 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927 before the effective date of the 1990 amendatory act that added this subsection, who has not been convicted of that violation, and who obtains a license as required under section 2 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927 within 90 days after the effective date of the 1990 amendatory act that added this subsection.

(3) A person who intentionally makes a material false statement on an application for a license to purchase a pistol under section 2 of Act No. 372 of the Public Acts of 1927, as amended, is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(4) A person who uses or attempts to use false identification or the identification of another person to purchase a firearm is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

750.233 Pointing or aiming firearm at another person; misdemeanor; penalty; exception; "peace officer defined."

Sec. 233.

(1) A person who intentionally but without malice points or aims a firearm at or toward another person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(2) This section does not apply to a peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing his or her duties as a peace officer. As used in this section, "peace officer" means that term as defined in section 215.

750.234 Firearm; discharge; intentionally aimed without malice; misdemeanor; penalty; exception; "peace officer" defined.

Sec. 234.

(1) A person who discharges a firearm while it is intentionally but without malice aimed at or toward another person, without injuring another person, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(2) This section does not apply to a peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing his or her duties as a peace officer. As used in this section, "peace officer" means that term as defined in section 215.

750.234a Intentionally discharging firearm from motor vehicle, snowmobile, or off-road vehicle in manner that endangers safety of another individual as felony; penalty; exception; "peace officer" defined; self-defense.

Sec. 234a.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) or (3), an individual who intentionally discharges a firearm from a motor vehicle, a snowmobile, or an off-road vehicle in such a manner as to endanger the safety of another individual is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing his or her duties as a peace officer while on or off a scheduled work shift as a peace officer. As used in this subsection, "peace officer" means that term as defined in section 215.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to an individual who discharges a firearm in self-defense or the defense of another individual.

750.234b Intentionally discharging firearm at dwelling or occupied structure as felony; penalty; exceptions; definitions.

Sec. 234b.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) or (4), an individual who intentionally discharges a firearm at a facility that he or she knows or has reason to believe is a dwelling or an occupied structure is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) An individual who intentionally discharges a firearm in a facility that he or she knows or has reason to believe is an occupied structure in reckless disregard for the safety of any individual is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing his or her duties as a peace officer.

(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an individual who discharges a firearm in self-defense or the defense of another individual.

(5) As used in this section:

(a) "Dwelling" means a facility habitually used by 1 or more individuals as a place of abode, whether or not an individual is present in the facility.

(b) "Occupied structure" means a facility in which 1 or more individuals are present.

(c) "Peace officer" means that term as defined in section 215.


GRAND RAPIDS FIREARMS DEFENSE ATTORNEY

If you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, a firearms defense attorney is not optional, it is a requirement! Our criminal defense attorneys can answer your questions with straight talk. Having the right criminal defense attorney on your side can relieve your stress during this difficult situation. Our criminal defense attorneys have over 85 years of criminal defense experience. George Krupp is a former Kent County assistant prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney.

Christian Krupp is a former Jackson County assistant prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney. Between the two criminal defense attorneys, they can provide you with excellent criminal defense representation. Both attorneys have extensive criminal defense trial experience including firearms charges, robbery, car jacking, and other serious crimes.

Krupp Law Offices P.C. is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the right criminal defense attorney for you. We represent clients in all criminal matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia.

Call for a free phone consultation.  Our office can help.

Christian Krupp

CEO & Founder

Christian G Krupp II was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Chris attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1988.He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he was a member of law review and one of the few students that had his law review article published.Christian Krupp graduated from law school with honors in the top ten percent of his class.His legal career started and Dykema Gossett, Michigan’s largest law firm.While at Dykema, he was involved in a diverse practice groups including the corporate, finance, and legislative areas.

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George Krupp

Creative Director

George Krupp was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.He was admitted to practice law in 1961 and started practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1962 in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.After years of success in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, George Krupp left for private practice where he has worked for over fifty years.Over his fifty years of experience he has represented thousands of clients in civil and criminal cases.His primary concentration has been in domestic (family law / divorce cases) and criminal cases.

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