Tampering with a Firearm Serial Number – Michigan Law & Penalties
You need an influential, respected, and experienced lawyer to help you if you face accusations of tampering with the serial number or identifying marks on a gun.
What You Need to Know About Tampering with a Firearm Charges
As Michigan defense attorneys who’ve handled thousands of firearm cases, we’ve seen a disturbing trend: good people facing serious charges for unknowingly possessing firearms with altered serial numbers. Under MCL 750.230, even unintentional violations of Michigan’s law prohibiting tampering with a firearm serial number can result in prison time. If you’re facing such charges, you need an experienced criminal defense team that understands both the technical and legal aspects of these cases.
What is Michigan’s Law on Firearm Serial Numbers?
Michigan’s firearm identification laws require all firearms to have a legible serial number or identifying mark. These markings serve a crucial purpose – they allow law enforcement to track ownership history and prevent illegal trafficking. Our years of experience have shown that even minor alterations to these identifying marks can result in serious felony criminal charges.
If you face serial number tampering charges or allegations, the implications extend far beyond a simple marking on your firearm. Whether you were aware of the alteration or not, these charges demand immediate, effective legal attention. If you are under investigation, but not charged, we can assist you on a pre-charge basis and potentially prevent the prosecutor from filing criminal charges.
What Counts as Tampering with a Firearm Serial Number?
Law enforcement and prosecutors take these cases seriously because altered serial numbers often signal potential connections to broader criminal activities. The law encompasses a wide range of actions that affect a firearm’s identifying marks:
- Scratching off or sanding down the serial number – Even partial damage can lead to charges
- Using chemicals or tools to remove or obscure markings – This includes any method that makes identification difficult
- Covering the number to make it unreadable – Temporary coverings can still result in charges
- Possessing a firearm with an altered or missing serial number – Mere possession, even if you were unaware of the damage to a serial number, can be enough for prosecution
Many of our clients are surprised to learn that simply having a gun with a tampered serial number in their possession could result in criminal charges, regardless of who actually modified it.
Penalties for Tampering with a Firearm Serial Number in Michigan
A conviction under MCL 750.230 carries serious consequences that can impact your life for years to come:
- Up to two (2) years in prison
- Substantial fines and court costs
- A criminal record that affects employment opportunities
- Potential federal charges if the firearm crossed state lines
- A lifetime federal ban on firearm possession
In our experience defending these cases, we often see prosecutors stack additional charges alongside serial number tampering, significantly increasing the potential penalties.
Defenses Against Firearm Serial Number Tampering Charges
Through years of successfully defending clients facing firearm charges, we’ve developed effective strategies to protect our their rights:
- Lack of knowledge – If you genuinely didn’t know about the altered serial number, we can build a strong equitable defense around this fact
- Constitutional violations – We carefully examine whether law enforcement legally obtained and handled evidence
- Mistaken identity or false accusations – Sometimes, careful investigation reveals that police have charged the wrong person
- Insufficient evidence – We hold prosecutors to their burden of proof, challenging weak or circumstantial evidence
Each case presents unique circumstances that require a carefully tailored defense strategy. A credible, robust, and aggressive defense is the best strategy for helping a client avoid a conviction and jail time.
Related Firearm Offenses in Michigan
Serial number tampering charges rarely appear in isolation. Through our extensive experience, we commonly see these charges accompanied by:
- Possession of an unregistered firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon without proper permits
- Felon in possession violations
- Illegal firearm sales or transfers
Understanding how these charges interact helps us develop comprehensive defense strategies that address all aspects of your case.
Why You Need a Top Criminal Defense Attorney
Michigan prosecutors aggressively pursue firearm violations, treating them as serious threats to public safety. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we’ve built our reputation on:
- An extensive expertise in Michigan firearm laws and regulations
- Established relationships with local prosecutors and judges
- Proven track record of successful case outcomes
- Commitment to personalized defense strategies
- Outstanding communication with clients, courts, and law enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions, contact us for a free consultation. We will take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and work with you to develop a winning strategy.
Q: What if I bought a gun without knowing its serial number was altered?
While possession alone can lead to charges, lack of knowledge is a crucial defense. We’ve successfully defended many clients who unknowingly purchased firearms with tampered serial numbers.
Q: How serious are the consequences of a conviction?
Beyond the two-year prison term, a conviction can affect your right to own firearms, impact employment opportunities, and result in substantial fines. Early intervention by experienced counsel is crucial.
Q: What steps should I take if I’m under investigation?
Protect your rights by remaining silent and contacting our office immediately. Early legal representation often leads to better outcomes and more defense options.
Get Expert Legal Help Today
If you’re facing firearm serial number charges, time is critical. Our decades of experience defending complex firearm cases have given us unique insights into Michigan’s legal system. If it’s in your best interest to seek a resolution, we’ll leverage our extensive experience and knowledge to pursue the best possible outcome, including potential dismissal of charges. If you maintain your innocence, we have the expertise and determination to mount an aggressive defense at trial. Regardless of your situation, we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Call us for a free consultation today! We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and start building your defense immediately.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
