Michigan § 28.434 - Unlawful possession; weapon forfeited to state; disposal; immunity.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.434 — Unlawful possession; weapon forfeited to state; disposal; immunity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28.434. Unlawful possession; weapon forfeited to state; disposal; immunity.
(1) Subject to sections 5g and 14a, all pistols, weapons, or devices carried or possessed contrary to this act are declared forfeited to this state, and must be turned over to the director of the department of state police or the director's designated representative, for disposal under this section.
(2) The director of the department of state police shall dispose of firearms under this section by destroying them. The director shall ensure that all parts of a firearm disposed of under this section are destroyed.
(3) Before disposing of a firearm under this section, the director of the department of state police shall do both of the following:
(a) Determine through the law enforcement information network whether the firearm has been reported lost or stolen. If the firearm has been reported lost or stolen and the name and address of the owner can be determined, the director of the department of state police shall provide 30 days' written notice of the director's intent to dispose of the firearm under this section to the owner, and allow the owner to claim the firearm within that 30-day period if the owner is authorized to possess the firearm.
(b) Provide 30 days' notice to the public on the department of state police website of the director's intent to dispose of the firearm under this section. The notice must include a description of the firearm and state the firearm's serial number, if the serial number can be determined. The department of state police shall allow the owner of the firearm to claim the firearm within that 30-day period if the owner is authorized to possess the firearm. The 30-day period required under this subdivision is in addition to the 30-day period required under subdivision (a).
(4) The department of state police is immune from civil liability for disposing of a firearm in compliance with this section.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 28.434
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.434 cover?
Section 28.434 ("Unlawful possession; weapon forfeited to state; disposal; immunity.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 28.434?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.434" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 28.434 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.