You’ve probably heard the term ‘red flag laws’ with regards to firearms and gun rights at some point recently. These red flag gun law proposals have been popping up with increasing frequency in the last few years both in Michigan and all over the USA. Even President Trump mentioned them in a recent speech addressing mass shootings. But we’ve had a few people ask us questions about red flag laws recently, and we’ve realized that maybe the media isn’t as clear on the subject as they could be. So we’d like to clear up a few things for the readers of our blogs here at The Kronzek Firm, to help you understand why this subject might be important to your future.
What exactly is a ‘red flag’ gun law?
The term ‘red flag’ just refers to something that should set off alarm bells. A warning, if you will. Red flag laws are gun violence laws that allow law enforcement and family members to petition a state court, requesting the temporary removal of firearms from someone who might present a danger to themselves or others. As of this month, 17 states and the District of Columbia have all passed red flag laws, and several other states are considering them. As of now, Michigan does not have red flag laws in place.
Do red flag laws actually work to prevent gun-related deaths?
Currently, there isn’t any data to support the idea that red flag laws would avert mass shootings, however several studies show that red flag laws can reduce suicides. In 2016, a study was published in the Law and Contemporary Problems Journal, which analyzed Connecticut’s 762 gun removals under their “risk warrant” law, which is essentially a red flag law. In the end, researchers were able to extrapolate that there was “one averted suicide for every ten to eleven gun seizure cases.” As usual, we read studies and understand that statistics and data can easily be spun to come up with almost any desired result. For instance, the Connecticut law can be said to be 91% ineffective in preventing suicides.Â
Does Michigan have ‘red flag’ gun laws in place?
Currently no, we don’t. Although the subject has been raised numerous times in Michigan, and several legislators have proposed a few versions of red flag gun laws in recent years, so far these bills have failed to make it through the House and Senate unscathed. Governor Whitmer recently made a public statement about the fact that she would like to see tougher red flag laws for Michigan. In an interview with Michigan Radio NPR, the Governor said, âWe have to be mindful of the fact that there are improvements… we can make with regard to gun safety and policy here in Michigan, and I want to see if we can find some common ground.â
Federal red flag laws are coming down the pipeline!
In the wake of the most recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio that left 31 people dead, a bipartisan red flag proposal, introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is gaining momentum. The proposed plan would create a federal grant program that encouraged states to adopt red flag laws, allowing law enforcement to take guns away from people believed to be dangerous to themselves or others. President Trump has signaled support for this bill.
Gun rights are a complex and emotionally charged subject right now.
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 – sometimes you have to fight to protect or even restore your gun rights. And that’s where The Kronzek Firm comes in. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have helped many people fight for their freedom in the face of gun crime allegations, and have their gun rights restored all over Michigan. So whether you live in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Jackson or Montcalm Countyt, call us at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail) and let us help you protect yourself and your future today.