Gun laws are a controversial subject. People tend to take a hard line stance on guns and gun laws, regardless of which side of the line they stand on. And we’re certainly not here to tell you where you should or shouldn’t stand on the issue of gun laws. However, what we have noticed is that, especially here in Michigan, changes and proposed changes to gun laws get a lot of press. Michiganders are pretty polarized when it comes to opinions about firearms.
State of Michigan laws and our federal laws are not the same thing, and while most Michiganians are familiar with our state’s gun laws, not as many of them are aware of federal gun laws. So we’d like to take this opportunity to clue you in on a few federal gun laws that you may not know…
Checking your gun on a train:
Most people know that you can only carry a gun on a plane if it’s unloaded and locked up in a hard sided container that only you have the key to, then baggage checked and declared to the check in desk. But what most people don’t realize is that federal law allows you to transport guns and/or ammunition inside your luggage on an AMTRAK train. The idea was that, if people had more ways to legally transport weapons, it would provide hunters and sportsmen with a wider variety of travel options.
Guns privately owned by members of the military:
Less than a year after the November 2009 shooting at Fort Hood military base in Texas, a law was passed that prohibited new regulations on the private gun rights of Defense Department personnel. The law also prohibited military commanders from inquiring into private gun ownership, although that law was later updated to allow commanders to ask about private gun ownership when they were concerned about a possible suicide situation.
Legal immigrants and gun ownership:
Although there are many rights and privileges that legal aliens are not allowed once they’ve been granted permission to live in the U.S. (like the right to vote, or win the lottery), they are allowed to own guns. The Second Amendment says that people in the United States have the right to keep and bear arms, however it doesn’t specify that those people have to be U.S. citizens. So while non-citizens are allowed to legally buy guns, they have to get their permanent resident status in the U.S. first. Also, gun ownership by non-residents has to be allowed by the state they live in, and ironically, Michigan doesn’t.
It’s very important that you know – and protect – your gun rights!
Knowing what rights you have, both under federal and state laws, allows you to utilize and protect them. But knowing your rights often isn’t enough – you sometimes have to fight to restore your gun rights. And that’s where The Kronzek Firm comes in. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have helped many people have their gun rights restored all over the state of Michigan. We’ve also successfully defended countless people against gun crime charges over the years. So call us at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail) and let us help you protect you today.