Felony Firearm Laws in Michigan

What is Felony Firearm?

Felony firearm is proven when it is shown that a person carried or possessed a firearm at the time they committed or attempted to commit a felony. For example, a person charged with the felony, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and is in possession of a firearm, felony firearm becomes an additional and separate charge.

The felony firearm law imposes harsh and consecutive prison penalties for convictions. What then is a “firearm”? The word “firearm” includes any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive.

A felony firearm conviction carries a mandatory two year prison sentence according to Michigan Firearm Law. The two year prison sentence is served consecutively to the other felony conviction. This means the person first serves two years in prison for the felony firearm conviction and then serves more time for the other felony conviction. The weapon is also forfeited to the government and your right to carry a firearm is gone if convicted.

Weapons – Second Offense Notice

A second conviction for felony firearm results in a mandatory five year prison sentence, consecutive to the prison imposed for the underlying felony conviction.

A third conviction for felony firearm results in a mandatory 10 year prison sentence, consecutive to the prison imposed for the underlying felony conviction.

The conviction also requires forfeiture of the weapons involved in the crime. If you have a prior felony conviction, high court misdemeanor, or attempt to commit a felony, then your sentence can be enhanced under the Habitual Offender Statute.

If you are the focus of a criminal investigation, call immediately. We carefully evaluate the facts of your case and the charges filed against you. As an experienced Traverse City criminal trial lawyer, Patrick S. Fragel will design a strategy to defend against the charges.