Weapons and the Laws Module 4

Open Carry Verses Concealed carry First, a person may not “open carry " a pistol in the passenger compartment of a vehicle unless they possess a valid Concealed Pistol License. Once a person enters a passenger compartment with a pistol they are carrying it concealed. A person without a CPL may legally open carry a pistol as long as they are 18 years of age and have lawfully purchased the pistol in accordance with MCL 28.422. Without a CPL you may NOT carry a firearm that belongs to someone other than yourself. In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public ( open) if the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the firearm is not concealed . You will not find a law that states it is legal to openly carry a firearm. It is legal because there is no Michigan law that prohibits it; however, Michigan law limits the premises on which a person may carry a firearm. A pistol is subject to immediate seizure if the CPL holder is carrying a pistol in a prohibited area ( Pistol Free Zones). The pistol is only subject to seizure if the holder is carrying it concealed, except in casinos. In a casino the pistol is subject to seizure whether carried concealed or exposed. A CPL holder is not required by law to carry a pistol concealed. A CPL holder may carry a pistol concealed or non-concealed The carrying of a pistol in a holster or belt outside the clothing is not carrying a concealed weapon. Carrying a pistol under a coat is carrying a concealed weapon. Op. Atty. Gen. 1945, O-3158. According to the Court of Appeals in People v. Reynolds, A weapon is concealed if it is not observed by those casually observing the person as in the ordinary course and usual association of life. A private property owner has the right to prohibit individuals from carrying firearms on his or her propert y, whether concealed or otherwise, and regardless of whether the person is a CPL holder. If a person remains on the property after being told to leave by the owner, the person may be charged with trespassing. The open carry of a handgun by itself is not considered brandishing. The state of Michigan does not mandate private property owners post signs prohibiting guns .