Understanding Michigan’s Riot Laws and Penalties

Understanding Michigan’s Riot Laws and Penalties

In any society, maintaining peace and order is paramount. Michigan, like other states, has specific laws in place to address situations of public unrest and violence.

To understand the legal framework and potential consequences of riot-related activities in the state you must read the law. Also understand that the laws can be interpreted and twisted in many ways to fit the prosecutions narrative and agenda depending on who you are and what you were taking a stand for.

Note: Other charges will be piled on these charges but we are just talking about the rioting laws in Michigan here.

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL)
Chapter 750
RIOTS AND RELATED CRIMES
Act 302 of 1968

752.541 Riot.

Sec. 1.

It is unlawful and constitutes the crime of riot for 5 or more persons, acting in concert, to wrongfully engage in violent conduct and thereby intentionally or recklessly cause or create a serious risk of causing public terror or alarm.

752.542 Inciting to riot.

Sec. 2.

It is unlawful and constitutes incitement to riot for a person or persons, intending to cause or to aid or abet the institution or maintenance of a riot, to do an act or engage in conduct that urges other persons to commit acts of unlawful force or violence, or the unlawful burning or destroying of property, or the unlawful interference with a police officer, peace officer, fireman or a member of the Michigan national guard or any unit of the armed services officially assigned to riot duty in the lawful performance of his duty.

752.542a Riot at state correctional facility.

Sec. 2a.

A person shall not willfully instigate, cause, attempt to cause, assist in causing, or conspire to cause a riot at a state correctional facility. As used in this section, “riot at a state correctional facility” means 3 or more persons, acting in concert, who intentionally or recklessly engage in violent conduct within a state correctional facility that threatens the security of the state correctional facility or threatens the safety or authority of persons responsible for maintaining the security of the state correctional facility.

752.543 Unlawful assembly.

Sec. 3.

It is unlawful and constitutes an unlawful assembly for a person to assemble or act in concert with 4 or more persons for the purpose of engaging in conduct constituting the crime of riot, or to be present at an assembly that either has or develops such a purpose and to remain thereat with intent to advance such purpose.

752.544 Violation as felony; penalty.

Sec. 4.

(1) A violation of section 1, 2, or 2a is a felony, punishable by not more than 10 years in prison or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

(2) A violation of section 3 is a felony, punishable by not more than 5 years in prison or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

752.545 Repeal.

Sec. 5.

Sections 521 and 522 of Act No. 328 of the Public Acts of 1931, being sections 750.521 and 750.522 of the Compiled Laws of 1948, are repealed.

History: 1968, Act 302, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1968

750.521-750.522 Repealed. 1968, Act 302, Eff. July 1, 1968.

Compiler’s Notes: The repealed sections pertained to riots and unlawful assemblies; duty of officials to disperse; arrest on failure to disperse.

(Similar to qualified immunity one would guess but more likley because the purpose could be beneficial to one group and not another)

752.546 Effective date.

Sec. 6.

This act shall take effect July 1, 1968.

Have your rights been violated?
Have your driving priviledges been revoked?
Has your professional license been suspended?
Have you been charged with a crime?

Call our office to see if we can help
Komorn Law 248-357-2550

Index

Index and Information Source

Document	Type	Description
Section 752.541	Section	Riot.
Section 752.542	Section	Inciting to riot.
Section 752.542a	Section	Riot at state correctional facility.
Section 752.543	Section	Unlawful assembly.
Section 752.544	Section	Violation as felony; penalty.
Section 752.545	Section	Repeal.
Section 752.546	Section	Effective date.

Legal Tip – Driving High on Cannabis in Michigan

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and carries serious consequences in Michigan.We have fought and won many cases from the District Courts, Circuit Courts, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court through out the State of Michigan. We have also fought...

Michigan House Bill NO. 4391

It may just be easier to collect and analyze tears.This legislation seeks to integrate saliva testing for cannabis within law enforcement procedures, designating a refusal to participate in this testing as a criminal offense, similar to the penalties imposed for...

Legal Tip – Your Rights During a DUI Stop in Michigan

Komorn Law - Quick Legal TipsLegal Tip: Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Stop in Michigan A DUI stop can be stressful, but knowing your rights is crucial. You have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer questions beyond basic identification....

Forfeiture without Criminal Charges

Can the police seize your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?Read the summary below and watch Attorney Michael Komorn in the Court of Appeals.Summary of "Ruben Delgado v. Michigan State Police": This case was filed in the Jackson County Circuit...

23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and your data is?

As of Friday 3/28/25, the firm’s shares were worth less than a dollar.If you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550Genetic testing service...

Judge finds marijuana testing facilities run by ex-cops violated testing results

Viridis Laboratories has faced ongoing allegations of exaggerating THC levels while minimizing the potential risks associated with cannabis.If you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part...

Domestic Violence Conviction Prohibits Gun Ownership

No Second Amendment Rights For YouIf you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550A federal judge in Michigan has ruled that a man with a prior...

Update on Michigan’s Sick Time Act (Small Business Compliance)

Small Business Compliance Accrual Method: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick time forevery 30 hours worked, and unused paid sick time rolls over upto 72 hours, or 40 for a small business. Employers may limit theuse of earned sick time to 72 hours, or 40 for a small...

What Are Your Rights Before And After Arrest?

What are your rights before and after arrest?Generally, police require a search warrant to lawfully enter any private premises or to search electronic devices such as your phone or computer. If the police do not possess a search warrant, you are under no obligation to...

Drones – What Drones? Update

Drone story update January 28, 2025 NJ drones 'were authorized to be flown by FAA for research,' Donald Trump says The mysterious drones that captivated New Jersey late last year were not enemy craft, but instead were authorized by the FAA, President Donald Trump said...