Michigan is a shall-issue state. Licenses are issued at the local level by county clerks. A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Open carry is legal in Michigan with several restrictions. Open carry is allowed in more places than concealed carry as the restricted areas referenced in Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o apply to concealed carry.
Concealed carry is legal with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for individuals at least 21 years old who have CCW licenses/permits issued by their home state, with successful completion of a firearms training course that has been state approved with at least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of range time. CPLs are issued to residents only, with exceptions for active duty military stationed in Michigan as well as active duty military stationed outside of Michigan, if Michigan is the applicant’s home of record. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and hospitals. In terms of reciprocity, Michigan recognizes resident permits from all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Michigan is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person may use deadly force, with no duty to retreat, if the individual has an honest and reasonable belief that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault to that person or to another individual. Any person who uses a gun legitimately in self-defense has immunity from civil liability.
Do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Tishkoff if you have questions regarding litigation, or business or employment law.