Super Lawyers
Justia Lawyer Rating
The Best Lawyers in America
Avvo Clients' Choice
Avvo Rating 10.0
National College for DUI Defense
National Collage for DUI Defense
American Council Of Second Amendment Lawyers
Avvo Clients Choice Award
Avvo Rating
Trial Lawyers University
Best Lawyers
James Publishing Author
Super Lawyers
Trial Lawyers College

Michigan Gun Laws on Firing Warning Shots

If you are a CPL holder carrying a pistol outside your home, or if you are using a gun in your home for self-defense, then you might think you are better off trying to scare a would-be criminal than actually using your weapon to harm or kill them.

While it is always best to avoid the use of your weapon, and certainly better to avoid the use of lethal force whenever possible, firing warning shots instead may not be your best option. Warning shots can get you into legal trouble too, and there are no presumptions to protect you. If you want to know more about Michigan gun laws on warning shots, consult a gun crime lawyer near me that can explain them to you.

The Barone Defense Firm will represent you in a Michigan warning shot case. Any self-defense case is complicated and you need the best criminal defense lawyer. Legal Standards for Warning Shots Are Unclear

Michigan gun laws on warning shots are not clear. The term warning shot does not appear in the Michigan Penal Code and is not otherwise contained in the Self-Defense Act. Without clear guidance from statutory law, courts are left to determine if the action of firing a warning shot is to be considered under either the use of force standard or the use of deadly force standard.

Although the firing of a warning shot is not per se legally forbidden, one should be aware that if they fire a warning shot, it is highly likely that their conduct will be judged under the legal standard that they have used deadly force and not just mere force.

This means that a person may only be allowed the legal argument of justification if a warning shot is fired in situations in which deadly force is justified under the Michigan Self-Defense Act.

Prosecuting Warning Shots

In the Great Lakes State, very little appellate court case law exists on this topic. This likely demonstrates how seldom Michigan Courts at the trial level have needed to address the issue of discharging warning shots.

Every gun owner should be aware that one likely argument a prosecutor may put forth against a defendant at trial is that the simple discharge of a firearm is an assault, because it puts a person in reasonable fear of a battery, and the person firing the shot clearly had the ability to follow through on the threat.

Additionally, a prosecutor may argue that this action can cause death or serious bodily injury. Such an argument, if successful, will shift the analysis of warning shots into the use of deadly force arena and whether a person intended that action or not.

The Role of a Jury in Warning Shot Cases

Who decides if a warning shot is a warning shot and not a shot at someone that simply missed? Who decides if a response to a situation is reasonable? In the vast majority of cases in Michigan, a jury ultimately decides.

There are no solid Michigan gun laws on warning shots, so be advised that a warning shot can potentially be viewed as a use of deadly force whether a person subjectively intended it to or not. Therefore, warning shots should never be used without careful consideration.

If you want to know more about your gun rights in Michigan, especially with regards to warning shots, consult a firearms attorney who handles criminal defense law to assure protection of your rights, while defending you.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.