Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
Carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan is a felony offense that carries up to 5 years in prison, up to $2500 in fines, possible probation/parole with conditions, and forfeiture of the weapon. A conviction for the same can affect your ability to lawfully purchase and/or possess firearms. This crime can also be prosecuted as a federal law violation depending on the circumstances.
In many accusations concerning carrying a concealed weapon the accusation begins with a traffic stop. The car is stopped for some sort of traffic violation such as speeding, defective equipment, a bad license plate, etc.. The police officer approaches and asks the driver for his or her name, registration and proof of insurance. During the stop a search of the vehicle occurs due to the driver’s consent, the officer seeing in plain view some sort of contraband, smelling the odor of marijuana, a search incident to an arrest (driving on a suspended license, an active warrant, open intoxicants in the motor vehicle, etc.) etc.. During the course of the search a weapon is discovered.
What happens next?