Detroit Michigan Gun & Weapons Charges Attorney
Michigan gun charges range from misdemeanor brandishing to felonies such as carrying a concealed weapon (MCL 750.227, up to 5 years) and felon in possession (MCL 750.224f, up to 5 years), and felony-firearm (MCL 750.227b) adds a mandatory 2-year prison term, served consecutively, to the sentence for the underlying felony. Attorney Kevin Bessant defends gun and weapon cases in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, starting with whether the stop, the search and the licensing facts hold up.
Reviewed by Attorney Kevin Bessant, Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates. Last reviewed October 2026.
Michigan gun and weapon charges at a glance
| Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) | MCL 750.227. Felony, up to 5 years. See carrying a concealed pistol. |
|---|---|
| Felon in possession | MCL 750.224f. Felony, up to 5 years. See felon in possession of a firearm. |
| Felony-firearm | MCL 750.227b. Mandatory 2 years for a first offense, 5 for a second and 10 for a third, served before and consecutive to the underlying felony. See felony-firearm. |
| Carrying with unlawful intent | MCL 750.226. Felony, up to 5 years. See carrying a weapon with unlawful intent. |
| Felonious assault | MCL 750.82. Felony, up to 4 years. See felonious assault. |
| Brandishing a firearm in public | MCL 750.234e. Misdemeanor. |
| Altering a firearm | MCL 750.230. Felony. |
| Federal firearm charges | 18 USC 922(g). See federal criminal charges. |
Penalties are those stated in the statutes. Sentencing guidelines, prior record and other charges can change the outcome.
The Law Office Kevin Bessant & Associates knows that gun laws can be very strict at both the State and Federal level. Detroit Gun & Weapons Lawyer Kevin Bessant has had substantial success in defending those charged with various weapons offenses in Michigan. Penalties for CCW (carrying concealed weapon) and weapons convictions in Michigan are harsh, often including mandatory jail or prison time if convicted. Felony Firearm and Felon in Possession criminal charges carry additional penalties that can lead to a criminal conviction and prison.
If you have been investigated, arrested, or charged with a gun charge, weapons charge, or CCW (Carrying concealed weapon) in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, Livingston County, Monroe County, or Washtenaw County, call Kevin Bessant IMMEDIATELY! The worst thing you can do if facing a gun or weapons charge is to do nothing at all. Attorney’s at The Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates are here to help you with your defense and win your case!
Video: Detroit Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Kevin Bessant explains how to defend against CCW, Felony Firearm and Gun and Weapons criminal charges in Michigan. (0:53)
Michigan gun and weapon penalties by statute
| Charge | Statute | Level | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying a concealed pistol without a license | MCL 750.227 | Felony | Up to 5 years or a fine of up to $2,500 |
| Felon in possession of a firearm | MCL 750.224f | Felony | Up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both |
| Carrying a weapon with unlawful intent | MCL 750.226 | Felony | Up to 5 years and a fine of up to $2,500 |
| Felonious assault | MCL 750.82 | Felony | Up to 4 years, a fine of up to $2,000, or both |
| Felony-firearm, first conviction | MCL 750.227b | Felony | 2 years, mandatory, served before and in addition to the underlying felony sentence |
| Felony-firearm, second conviction | MCL 750.227b | Felony | 5 years, mandatory, consecutive |
| Felony-firearm, third or later conviction | MCL 750.227b | Felony | 10 years, mandatory, consecutive |
See each charge guide linked above for the elements and defenses. Ranges are statutory maximums, not predictions of a sentence.
Detroit Gun or Weapons Charges Lawyer Kevin Bessant Can Help You Avoid Jail
Call Kevin Bessant to Avoid Jail and a Weapons Convictions. Did you know that a weapons offense is also considered an assaultive offense that can lead to the loss of employment, loss of your right to possess or carry a handgun, and the loss of your freedom!! Do not risk your future or take chances against the prosecution without first calling or consulting the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates first. Call us today at 313-658-8159
Common Weapons Charges Include:
- Possession of a concealed weapon
- Possession of a deadly weapon
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Illegal Altering of Firearm (shaving serial number)
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (robbery, assault, etc.)
- Brandishing a firearm in public
- Unlawful Discharged of A Firearm
- Felony-Firearm (carries a mandatory 2 year prison sentence)
Kevin Bessant has successfully defended several Possession of a Concealed Weapon offenses throughout the State of Michigan. This offense is commonly known as a “CCW”. In Michigan, it is unlawful to carry a firearm or other “dangerous weapon” without a valid license. Unfortunately, many otherwise law abiding citizens fall victim to this offense due to their lack of understanding of Michigan’s gun licensing laws or inability to obtain a permit to carry a pistol or firearm. A person convicted of a CCW offense can face up to five years in Prison!
Avoid Jail! Kevin Bessant understands that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Allow the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates to defend you with his aggressive court-room litigation skills; ability to challenge the police and government prosecution; and his desire to fight for the dismissal of your case!
Kevin Bessant has the litigation experience you need to successfully defend your weapons charges. We understand that a large number of criminal offenses involve weapons charges that can seriously impact your freedom and future. We also understand the many of our clients have been wrongfully accused and targeted and rely on us to defend their rights and protect their freedom and livelihood in court.
Do not simply “plea bargain” your future away with a gun or weapons conviction. A weapons conviction can still be considered a “violent” crime or assault crime and can cause severe harm to your reputation, freedom and criminal record. Contact the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates today to aggressively challenge the Police and Government Prosecution and defend your rights in court!
Related charge guides
- Carrying a concealed pistol
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Felony firearm
- Carrying a weapon with unlawful intent
- Felonious assault
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- Armed robbery
- Bond hearings
Where we defend gun charges
Gun cases begin in the district court for the place of arrest, and felonies move to circuit court after the preliminary examination. Attorney Kevin Bessant has offices in Detroit (Wayne County), Eastpointe (Macomb County) and Southfield (Oakland County), including the 46th District Court in Southfield, the 37th District Court in Warren and the 41A District Court in Sterling Heights.
Service area pages: Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Livonia, Troy, Royal Oak, Pontiac, Novi, Ann Arbor, and Clinton Township, plus Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston counties.
Legal Authority: Statute and Case Law
Legal citations on this page last reviewed: October 2026
- Michigan’s felon-in-possession statute is codified at MCL 750.224f, felonious assault at MCL 750.82, and the Felony Firearm add-on at MCL 750.227b.
- Carrying a concealed weapon is MCL 750.227, carrying with unlawful intent is MCL 750.226, brandishing is MCL 750.234e, and altering a firearm is MCL 750.230. Federal firearm possession offenses are at 18 USC 922(g).
- People v Avant, 235 Mich App 499, 505 (1999) — the Michigan Court of Appeals held that whether an object qualifies as a “dangerous weapon” depends on how it was used and the circumstances of the assault, not simply what the object is.
- People v Tice, 220 Mich App 47, 52 (1996) — held that MCL 750.224f applies even to a felony conviction that occurred before the felon-in-possession statute took effect, meaning the law looks at your record as it stands today.
For the current statutory text and published opinions, see the Michigan Legislature’s MCL database and the Michigan Courts case search.
About Attorney Kevin Bessant
- Licensed Michigan Attorney with the State Bar of Michigan and over 20 years of criminal defense trial experience.
- Michigan Super Lawyer, recognized annually from 2015 through 2026.
- Detroit Business Magazine (DBusiness) Top Lawyer, 2017.
- Listed among Expertise.com’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Detroit.
- Interviewed by Fox 2 News Detroit (2016) regarding Michigan State Police breathalyzer calibration errors affecting nearly 2,000 DUI cases statewide between December 2015 and April 2016.
- Offices in Detroit, Eastpointe, and Southfield, Michigan, serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties.
- Free case evaluation: 313-658-8159
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CCW charge in Michigan?
CCW stands for Carrying a Concealed Weapon. It is unlawful in Michigan to carry a firearm or other dangerous weapon without a valid license, and a conviction can carry up to five years in prison.
What other weapons charges are common in Michigan?
Common charges include possession of a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal altering of a firearm, brandishing a firearm in public, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and felony-firearm, which carries a mandatory 2-year prison sentence.
Can a weapons conviction affect my right to own a gun in the future?
Yes. A weapons conviction is often treated as a violent or assaultive offense and can result in the permanent loss of the right to possess a firearm.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for a gun or weapons charge?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately rather than waiting, since early intervention can affect bond, charging decisions, and case strategy.
Is carrying a concealed pistol without a license a felony in Michigan?
Yes. Carrying a concealed weapon under MCL 750.227 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years. Whether you held a valid license, or fit an exception, is often the central issue in the case.
How long is the felony-firearm sentence?
MCL 750.227b requires 2 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second and 10 years for a third. The term is mandatory, is served before the sentence for the underlying felony, and runs consecutively to it.
Can a gun charge also be filed in federal court?
Yes. Some firearm cases, such as those involving a prohibited person under 18 USC 922(g), can be prosecuted federally as well as, or instead of, in state court.