Recent Oxford School Shooting Prompts Stricter Gun Law Discussions In Michigan

In Michigan and other parts of the country, gun control legislation has come to the forefront. Gun violence instances, and those involving schools, have increased the concern of lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public at large. The most recent example in Oxford has brought up the issue again in the Michigan legislature. As a result of this devastating event, the legislature has initiated discussions on whether gun legislation in Michigan should be stricter. This article will discuss Michigan’s current gun legislation and the proposed changes due to lawmaker and enforcement discussion.

Experienced Criminal Defense Firm In Michigan

If you have been arrested or criminally charged, gun rights are often involved. Depending on the nature of your arrest and charge, you could lose your right to have firearms. The right to bear arms aside, it is crucial that you hire an attorney to represent you on your charges. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight to protect your rights and interests. Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy has vast experience with criminal defense cases and is ready to help you with your case. To learn more or set up an initial case consultation, call us at (231) 577-1580 or visit us at our website.

Current Michigan Gun Regulations

Michigan gun legislation regulates how one can obtain a gun, maintain possession of guns, and what happens if a gun is misused or used in the commission of a crime. Current gun regulations include:

• All handguns must be registered with the state.
• Those older than 18 but younger than 21 can buy handguns from state-approved dealers.
• Those who have a concealed carry handgun must have a permit. There is no permit to carry a concealed shotgun, rifle, or legal non-handgun firearm.
• To purchase a handgun, you must apply for and obtain a permit. If purchasing other kinds of guns, no permit is necessary.
• Felonies committed with a firearm impose a minimum mandatory two-year prison sentence.
• Federally licensed dealers cannot sell guns to people under 21 years old.

For more information about firearm legislation and the permit process, visit the Michigan State Police website. The website provides information on issues like concealed carry requirements, license renewals, and penalties for violations.

Gun Regulation Debate

As with many circumstances after a gun violence event, there are increased calls for gun control legislative reform. Overall, reform efforts have been unsuccessful. In the United States, the right to bear arms is described as a fundamental right in the Constitution. Many oppose any regulations or restrictions as an infringement upon that right. The NRA, or National Rifle Association, is one of the most—if not the most—prominent opponent of gun control reforms nationwide. In most cases, the NRA lobbies or brings lawsuits to thwart gun control regulations and efforts. In these circumstances, the NRA argues that any change or limitation to this fundamental right infringes upon it; so far, its efforts to block regulations have been largely successful.

However, those supporting gun control measures generally argue that regulations are necessary to combat a gun violence epidemic. In this view, those supporting regulation suggest that the right to bear arms is not absolute and can be regulated without infringing on that right. In contrast, if the federal government or state banned guns entirely, those restrictions would be considered an infringement. No matter how you lean, gun violence events are still happening, especially in vulnerable places, like schools and other educational institutions. Over the past few decades, these instances of gun violence have made people more aware of the harm that relaxed gun regulations can have. In the case of Oxford, the parents of 15-year-old shooter Ethan Crumbley apparently bought the gun for him, which circumvented the rules already put in place to prevent people younger than 18 from obtaining those kinds of weapons.

Proposed Gun Legislation Changes

No specific changes have been suggested at the legislative level yet. However, Oakland Park County prosecutor Karen MacDonald has suggested that in prosecuting both the shooter and his parents, the law must set a precedent that suggests zero tolerance. McDonald will be prosecuting both Ethan Crumbley and his parents regarding both the shooting and his parents’ facilitation of it by allegedly getting the gun for him. As of now, Michigan State gun regulations have not yet changed. However, concerning the most recent attack, the issue will no doubt remain at the center of attention for law enforcement, lawmakers, and the public.

Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney In Michigan

If you or someone you know has been charged with an offense involving a firearm, it is essential that you act quickly. Depending on the nature of your violation or charge, you could face time in prison and a restriction of your right to bear arms. When facing these kinds of charges, it is essential to have an attorney on your side. An experienced criminal defense attorney understands the law and can help you navigate the process to protect your rights and interests. The experienced attorneys at Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy have extensive criminal defense experience and are ready to represent you in your case. To learn more or to schedule your free initial case consultation, call us at (231) 577-1580 or visit our website.