Stun guns are currently illegal in Michigan. Like brass knuckles, daggers, and short-barreled shotguns, they’re on the list of weapons (or self-defense items, depending on your perspective) that you’re not allowed to carry around with you. But that may about to change.
The Michigan House has voted on making stun guns legal!
House Bill 4020 was originally introduced by State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, and if passed, would lift the state ban on stun guns. According to the wording in the bill, the new law would allow the sale, possession and ‘reasonable use’ of stun guns by people 18 and older. Interestingly, the bill received wide, bi-partisan support. According to Hoitenga, “Many people are uncomfortable carrying firearms and would prefer to instead carry a stun gun for self-defense. Stun guns are a good, non-lethal way for people to protect themselves from violence – and there’s absolutely no reason to continue banning them in Michigan.”
But not everyone is on board with the possible legal change
Although Hoitenga’s bill was supported in the Michigan House, not everyone is so sure this is a good idea. The Michigan State Police, for example, are not excited by the idea of legalizing stun guns in the state of Michigan. Their reasons? According to MSP Lt. Brian Olesksyk, the bill didn’t address enough safety issues that they believe are important when making this kind of weapon legal for adults to possess and carry in Michigan. “It would allow convicted felons to possess one of those, as well as people who are untrained. That’s our primary concern.”
What’s the difference between a stun gun and a taser?
Stun guns are often confused with tasers, and some people mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. But stun guns and tasers are not the same thing. Although both are meant to be used to incapacitate someone without killing them, the primary difference between the two is that tasers can be used from a distance, while stun guns require direct contact. Under current Michigan law, tasers can be used by law enforcement but not by the general public, while stun guns are illegal for everyone to use.
What do you need to know about the new law, if it passes?
If the bill makes it through the Senate and gets signed into law by the Governor, stun guns will become legal to own, use and sell in Michigan. But that’s not all you need to know. There’s more… Anyone convicted of using a stun gun improperly (even if they’re legally allowed to use it) would be facing a criminal charge, punishable by up to two years in lockupl. Anyone who sells or owns a stun gun illegally could end up facing a felony charge with up to four years in prison.
Weapons charges are serious, regardless of the weapon in question.
Michigan police and prosecutors take weapons charges very seriously. Whether it’s possessing a gun if you’re a convicted felon, owning a knife that’s banned, or putting a muffler on your gun, there are very serious penalties in Michigan for illegal use, sale and possession of weapons. So if you’ve been accused of a weapons-related charge, you need an aggressive and very experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, fighting to protect your rights. Call 866 766 5245 as soon as you are being investigated or charged with w weapons crime and make sure your trial team is highly respected, comes with decades of experience, and has a long track record of success.