Michigan Looks to Cut Penalty for Carrying with Lapsed License

By Chris Eger

Under current law, those found in Michigan carrying with a CPL that is one day expired can be charged with a felony. A proposal would drop that to a civil fine to be waived if the license is re-upped within 60 days of the violation. (Photo: Chris Eger/guns.com)
A bipartisan bill has passed the Michigan House that would reduce the penalty of carrying with an expired concealed pistol license from a felony to a civil fine.
The proposal, House Bill 4434, was approved in late May by an easy 90-19 vote. It would dial down the current penalty for carrying with an expired CPL from a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine to a civil infraction and a $330 fine. Supporters feel the current penalty is excessive for an act that may be due to forgetfulness rather than criminal intent to skirt the law.
“A felony conviction can destroy a person’s life,” said Rep. Matt Hall, R-Emmett Twp, the bill’s sponsor. “It makes it difficult to find a job or suitable housing and suspends an individual’s constitutional right to possess a firearm. It is unfair for an otherwise law-abiding citizen to become a felon because of

Source: Guns.com