Michigan Concealed Carry Law May Change
Right now, it is a five year felony to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan without a concealed pistol license. A pistol is considered concealed any time that it isn’t visible (e.g., under a coat or in a pocket). In Michigan, it is also considered concealed any time that it is in a motor vehicle. For example, if the pistol was located on the dashboard in plain view, it is still illegal to possess in a car without a concealed pistol license.
However, House Bill 4416, would change the law if it passes the Senate and is signed by the Governor. Under the language that has passed the house, it would no longer be a crime to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan, without regard to whether you have a concealed pistol license.
If passed, the new law would read:
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, IN
HIS OR HER place of business, or on other land possessed by the
person.
(2) SUBSECTION (1) DOES NOT APPLY TO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) A FIREARM.
(B) A HUNTING KNIFE ADAPTED AND CARRIED AS A HUNTING KNIFE.
(3) (2) A person WHO IS PROHIBITED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW
FROM POSSESSING A FIREARM 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.
If the changes pass, it is not anticipated that they’ll be retroactive, but we may find that prosecutors view old CCW cases differently in light of the new law. If you’re facing a CCW charge, you should speak to a Michigan criminal defense attorney who understands the law and the how the potential changes may affect you.