Restoring Your Gun Rights
As of 4/17/24…There is still a second amendment
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants citizens the right to bear arms, a fundamental aspect of American freedoms.
However, in some cases, just like every other right being slowly chipped away you may lose those rights which I guess would not be rights but “granted rights” by the grace of those in power. Certainly some people don’t deserve the right.
For residents of Michigan seeking to restore their firearms privileges, understanding the process and requirements is essential.
In this article, we’ll delve into the steps one can take to regain their Second Amendment rights in Michigan.
Understanding Michigan Law
Michigan’s laws regarding firearm ownership and possession are outlined in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). Specifically, MCL 28.422 details the criteria for obtaining a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and outlines the procedures for individuals seeking to restore their firearms rights.
You may want to come back and take a look at the law in more detail as this article does not dive too deep. Your specific situation may not be mentioned here but in the laws.
Causes of Denial
Before delving into the restoration process, it’s crucial to comprehend the common reasons for the denial of firearms rights. Individuals may face denial due to:
- Criminal Convictions: Felony convictions often result in the loss of firearms rights. This includes offenses such as assault, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, and certain types of theft.
- Mental Health: Adjudications: Individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility or have been deemed legally incapacitated may face restrictions on firearms ownership.
- Domestic Violence Convictions: Convictions related to domestic violence can lead to the loss of Second Amendment rights, particularly if the offense involves the use or attempted use of physical force.

Steps to Restore Second Amendment Rights
1. Expungement of Convictions
For individuals with criminal convictions, pursuing expungement may be the first step towards restoring their firearms rights. Michigan’s recent expungement laws allow for the sealing of certain criminal records, enabling individuals to regain their firearms privileges under specific circumstances. Refer to MCL 780.621 for more information on the expungement process.
2. Petition for Restoration
Those who have lost their firearms rights due to criminal convictions or mental health adjudications can petition the court for restoration. This involves filing a petition with the circuit court in the county of residence. The court will review the individual’s case, considering factors such as rehabilitation, conduct since the conviction, and any mitigating circumstances. Consult MCL 28.425 for detailed information on the restoration process.
3. Compliance with Federal Requirements
In addition to state laws, individuals seeking to restore their firearms rights must also comply with federal regulations. This may include completing background checks and adhering to any federal restrictions on firearms ownership.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Navigating the process of restoring Second Amendment rights can be complex, especially considering the legal intricacies involved. As such, seeking guidance from a qualified attorney specializing in firearms law is highly recommended.
An attorney can provide invaluable assistance, ensuring that individuals understand their rights and obligations under both state and federal law.
Real Questions from Real Calls
Question: The application from the ATF Form 4473 asks if I use any illegal drugs. I have my medical marijuana card and it’s legal in Michigan right? So can I get a gun?
Answer: Unless you are the president’s son if you answered “No” on the form where it asks if you use illegal drugs you would be lying and your gun rights probably taken away and possibl;y charged with a crime.
Marihuana is still illegal federally and still in the public health code and listed as a controlled substance 1 in Michigan.
As it states on the ATF Form 4473 Part 1
Q: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?
Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.
Related Articles
How Much Does it Cost for an Expungement in Michigan?
Ask yourself - How much is your record costing you not to have it expunged.When you have been convicted of a crime in Michigan, you are likely aware of the negative impact it can have on your life, even after you have knelt in submission, paid the fines, served your...
Pending Charges?
Pending Charges. Don't wait. Get ahead of their game. If you have been arrested but not charged yet. Don't wait while they build evidence and take your statements to use against you! They may just be building a case against you and letting you get more comfortable...
Gov. Whitmer Signs Gun Violence Prevention
April 13, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2023 Gov. Whitmer Signs Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Legislation to Keep Michigan Communities Safe Establishes universal background checks for all firearm purchases, safe storage requirements...
Federal Court Strikes Down Gun Ban For People Who Use Marijuana
The federal government's justification for upholding the law is "concerning," according to a federal judge, who ruled that the ban on marijuana users owning firearms is unconstitutional. A man was charged in Oklahoma in 2022 after police found marijuana and a handgun...
Michigan Gun Laws and CPL Requirements
Concealed Pistol License Requirements An outline of requirements for those who want to obtain a Michigan Concealed Pistol License. A. State Requirements An applicant for a Michigan CPL must: 1. Be at least 21 years of age. 2. Be a citizen of the United States or an...
Is Michigan an open carry gun state?
Michigan is an open carry state. There is no law that says it is illegal to do so. The Michigan State Police legal update describes Michigan’s open carry law as follows: In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public as long as the person is...
More Posts
One of Michigan’s Top DUI Attorneys
We aggressively defend all aspects of traffic law, from simple civil infractions to more serious alcohol and drug-related offenses. Don't wait till the last second to...
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is a serious offense in Michigan. If someone is caught driving under the...
Federal Ban on Owning Firearms by Cannabis Consumers is Unconstitutional Court Says
Federal charges against a non-violent, cannabis-using gun owner were unconstitutional.A federal appeals court panel upheld a lower court's ruling on Wednesday,...
AG Nessel joined 21 attorneys general to regulate the sale of firearms
Extreme Risk Protection Order to prevent individuals from possessing or owning a firearm for eight years following their conviction. That legislation was signed into...
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – First Offense
First Offense DUI in Michigan: Laws and ConsequencesFacing a first offense DUI in Michigan can be daunting as the implications are significant and the legal landscape...
Michigan Supreme Court to Hold Public Administrative Hearing
On September 18, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court will conduct a public administrative hearing, providing an opportunity for citizens and legal professionals to engage...
Nuclear waste headed to southeast Michigan landfill
What happened to the nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project? It's coming to Michigan so New York can be a cleaner place.August 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers...
Video kept from family shows police force not drugs killed son
police and paramedics inflicted “inhumane acts of violence”A mother has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that, while her son was experiencing a seizure in his Tennessee...
What could happen when you click the – I agree – box?
Wrongful death suit against Disney serves as a warning to consumers when clicking ‘I agree’A wrongful death lawsuit involving Walt Disney Parks and Resorts highlights...
4th Circuit says – Assault weapons can be banned
This case is about whether the Act’s general prohibition on the sale and possession of certain “assault weapons,” are unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. An en...