Understanding Michigan’s Riot Laws and Penalties

KOMORN LAW

STATE and FEDERAL
Aggressive Legal Defense
All Criminal Allegations / DUI / Drugs
Since 1993

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.

Do the passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights?

Do Passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure?Passengers in a vehicle are afforded Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, though the scope of these rights varies based on the specific circumstances...

Probable Cause v Reasonable Suspicion

What's the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?Definition of Probable Cause Probable cause refers to the belief held by a reasonable person that a crime is currently being committed, has already been committed, or is likely to be committed in...

Are there exceptions that justify warrantless searches?

Exceptions to your 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure (more to come).The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards citizens by prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures and generally mandates the necessity of a warrant for such intrusions....

Warrantless Searches in Michigan

I don't need a warrant for that...In Michigan, as in the rest of the United States, the Fourth Amendment of the fading Constitution provides individuals with protection against unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. Generally, this means that police...

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 get an attorney. That's how you lose.Why Attorney Michael Komorn is one of Michigan’s Top DUI...

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 influence of alcohol or drugs, they can face severe penalties. When it comes to a second offense, 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, declaring that federal charges against a non-violent, cannabis-using gun owner were unconstitutional. “The...

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 law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November of 2023.Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined...

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 is complex. Understanding the laws surrounding Operating While Intoxicated is essential, as these...

Court Ruling – No bonus for growing weed

COURT RULING – SORRY NO BONUS FOR GROWING CANNABISA marijuana farm worker is unable to succeed in his breach-of-contract lawsuit regarding a $100,000 bonus he claims to be owed for producing a healthy harvest of 1400 pounds of dry cannabis crop as the contract is...