There are many Michigan residents who own guns. This right is cherished by many, and respected by the law. But, those who have been convicted on a crime may find themselves in hot water again if they fail to pay attention to the gun laws as they relate to those who are convicted of crimes. This, in turn, could result in more criminal charges, as well as the potential for significant penalties, which could include prison and fines.

An individual who has been convicted of a felony can only possess, use, transport, purchase, carry, sell or distribute a firearm in Michigan after certain conditions have been met. First, all fines from the conviction must be paid. Second, all imprisonment must have been served. Third, all conditions laid out under probation must have been met. Lastly, three years must have passed since all of those conditions have been met. The same restrictions are in place for those dealing with ammunition. Those who are found to have broken this law can face up to five years in prison and a fine as high as $5,000.

Michigan residents who have been convicted of a specified felony must wait five years after meeting the requirements prior to purchasing, possessing, selling, shipping or otherwise dealing in guns and ammunition. The penalties for violating this offense are the same. The law lays out the elements of a specified felony, which include felony convictions that involve force, certain drug convictions and other felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Far too often unsuspecting Michigan residents wind up facing criminal charges for crimes they didn’t know they may have been committing. Unfortunately, ignorance of the law is not a defense. Therefore, those who are facing allegations of criminal wrongdoing need to carefully consider their criminal defense options to protect themselves as fully as possible under the circumstances.

Source: Michigan Legislature, “Section 750.224f,” accessed on Nov. 14, 2016