United States House Passes Law Allowing for Full Faith and Credit to Carrying Concealed Weapons Permit Holders in the US

December 7, 2017 marked the passage in the US House of Representatives of a bill that “would allow gun owners who legally carry concealed guns in one state to carry them in the other 49 States, sending a major expansion of gun rights to the Senate.” While the bill faces substantial opposition in the U.S. Senate, the bill may impact many CCW/CPL holders in Michigan and other states. The bill would permit for a individual who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon in one State, Michigan as an example, to travel with their concealed firearm lawfully into the other 49 States.

Carrying Concealed Weapons in Michigan

For Michigan residents who own firearms and have a permit to carry a concealed gun, the proposed legislation would permit you to carry your firearm with you when you travel across State lines. The legislation would also enable persons from any other State who possessed a permit to carry a concealed firearm to bring their firearms into the State of Michigan and carry them concealed legally. For persons to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan, you must apply for and obtain a concealed pistol license (CPL). In order to obtain the license, you must finish a CCW training course within one year of your application, fill out the forms, and pay the filing fee to the designated law enforcement agency in your county of residence. In Wayne County, for example, applications and the processing fees must be taken to a designated branch of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Once filed, a licensing board reviews the application to ensure that the applicant meets all of the requirements for the issuance of a license, and, if so, will issue the concealed pistol license to the applicant.

Carrying a Concealed Pistol Without a License is a Felony

In Michigan, if you do not have a concealed pistol license, and you are arrested with a gun concealed on your person, or, with a firearm in your vehicle, you are guilty of a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. M.C.L. §750.227 prohibits the concealed carrying of guns and other weapons, under certain conditions, without a license. While some counties will not prosecute persons from other States who are licensed in their home State, not all counties will look the other way. The legislation proposed by the United States House of Representatives will take all of the guess work out, and enable CPL holders to load up and travel freely.

If you have been charged with a weapons violation, or are charged with carrying a concealed weapon, give us a call. We’d love to talk with you and see if we can help you in handling your matter. If you or a loved one are facing felony charges, call us today for a free consultation.