Michigan treats firearm and weapons violations seriously, and certain possession-based offenses can carry mandatory prison time even when the weapon was never fired or otherwise used. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has defended clients against serious criminal charges in mid-Michigan courts since 2002, developing trial-ready strategies that protect your rights from the start.
Weapons laws cover a range of offenses, and understanding each of them is important to build a strong defense. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood defends clients facing allegations involving:
Unlawful possession of a firearm in a vehicle
Possession of a firearm (state and federal)
Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) without a permit
Carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence
Assault with a deadly weapon
Gun permit violations
Possession of a firearm in a prohibited area
Brandishing or illegally discharging a firearm
Felony firearm involving another crime
Michigan generally allows open carry in many circumstances. Carrying a weapon in a concealed manner without the required authorization is different and can lead to a criminal charge. Concealment can also be broader than simply having a weapon completely hidden. A firearm partly covered by clothing or hidden within a vehicle may raise concealed carry questions depending on the circumstances.
If you face a CCW allegation, a concealed weapon defense attorney can examine where the weapon was found and how it was carried. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood will review the available evidence and determine which legal issues may affect your case.
A felony firearm conviction in Michigan carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be served prior to any other sentence for related convictions. A second conviction increases this mandatory minimum to five years behind bars.
A felony firearm charge may arise when a person is accused of possessing or carrying a firearm during the commission or attempted commission of another felony. Because these mandatory minimums remove judicial discretion at sentencing, building an aggressive defense from the very beginning is essential.
Understanding what prosecutors must prove helps shape an effective defense strategy. In any homicide case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant’s actions caused the person’s death. It must also show that the defendant acted with the level of intent or recklessness required for the specific charge. For first-degree murder, the prosecution must also prove that the killing was premeditated
As a homicide defense lawyer, Attorney Norwood examines every case for potential defenses and reviews the prosecution’s evidence. He also examines whether investigators violated your constitutional rights while collecting that evidence. In addition, he considers if the facts support self-defense under Michigan’s Self-Defense Act. Every case is different, and no defense strategy is guaranteed to succeed, but understanding these avenues is the first step toward building a real defense.
Did you actually know the weapon was present? Such factors can matter when a firearm is found in a shared vehicle, bag, or living space.
Did police have lawful grounds to search the vehicle, home, or person? Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be subject to challenge.
Does the firearm's condition have legal significance under the specific charge? Depending on the offense and circumstances, questions involving operability or whether an item qualifies as a firearm, replica, or antique may require closer examination.
Hunting or sporting activities may raise different legal questions depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Criminal matters in Genesee County follow a specific legal path. Misdemeanor charges and initial felony proceedings are typically handled at the 67th District Court. If a felony case moves forward toward trial, proceedings shift to the 7th Circuit Court.
Navigating this local court system requires deep familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and procedural rules. An attorney who regularly handles criminal matters can help you understand what to expect as the case moves forward.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has focused on criminal defense in Michigan since 2002. His approach starts with a careful investigation of the circumstances surrounding the charge. That can include examining whether police conducted a lawful search, whether the weapon’s condition matters, and whether the evidence supports an allegation of knowing possession.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Norwood is a solo criminal defense practice. Your case is handled directly by Attorney Norwood rather than passed to a junior associate. His downtown Flint office is also located directly across from the Genesee County courts, providing a convenient local base for a practice that handles criminal cases in Flint and throughout Michigan.
Yes. Possession alone can be a crime under Michigan law, depending on the circumstances. You don't have to fire a weapon, or even remove it from a bag or glove box, to face charges.
Lack of knowledge can be an important defense issue, particularly when a weapon is found in a shared vehicle, borrowed bag, or space accessible to multiple people.
Michigan law generally permits the open carrying of a firearm in many circumstances, while concealed carry is subject to different licensing and legal requirements. Even partial concealment, like a jacket covering a holster, can lead to a concealed weapon charge.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has practiced criminal defense in Michigan since 2002. His practice includes defense against firearms and other weapons-related criminal allegations.
Read what our satisfied clients say about our law firm based on their first-hand experience. Decide for yourself whether you need a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Flint or not.
A weapons charge is serious, but it isn’t a conviction. Early legal intervention gives your defense attorney the time needed to examine search warrants, question witness statements, and protect your constitutional rights.
Call Attorney Matthew L. Norwood at (810) 235-4639 today for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Flint, Michigan.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Norwood
503 S. Saginaw St., Suite 526Flint, MI 48502-1824
(810) 235-4630Let’s Talk About Your Case
