Michigan Domestic Violence Law
Michigan Domestic Violence Defense
What you're facing under MCL 750.81(2), how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Michigan (MI) domestic violence law.
Offense Class
93-day Misdemeanor (1st); 1-year Misdemeanor (2nd); Class E Felony (3rd+)
Maximum Penalty
93 days (1st); 1 year (2nd); 5 years (3rd+)
Maximum Fine
$500 (1st); $1,000 (2nd); $5,000 (3rd+)
Mandatory Minimum
Michigan imposes a mandatory minimum of None for this charge. Charge reductions or alternative sentencing are questions worth raising before the plea is entered.
Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)
A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Michigan carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Michigan state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.
Penalty Range in Michigan
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Michigan:
- Strangulation: Class D Felony — MCL 750.84(1)(b)
- Aggravated DV (serious injury): 1-year or Class E Felony
- Violation of PPO: contempt or criminal charge
Michigan-Specific Detail
Michigan tracks DV offenses separately for enhancement purposes. Third conviction creates felony regardless of severity. Mandatory arrest policy in most jurisdictions. Firearm prohibition upon conviction.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Michigan domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.