Detroit Metro Airport Weapons Charges

Detroit Metro Airport Weapons Charges

It is becoming common for people to get charged with weapons offenses at Detroit Metro Airport, even those with no wrongful intention. In many cases, people are unaware they have something the TSA considers a weapon.

Prohibition of Weapons at the Airport – Generally

Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Willow Run Airport are under the Wayne County Airport Authority’s auspices. This authority has issued an Airport Ordinance document with all of the rules people must follow when at the airport. Because of the seriousness of these charges, you will want the representation of the best airport weapons charges attorney you can get.

Of course, security is of prime importance in any airport, and there are many rules that people visiting the airport must be aware of to avoid being charged with a crime. Many of the things prohibited at the airport are understandable, such as you cannot take a gun into the passenger compartment of a plane. You may not know that you cannot have a gun even in the airport’s parking lot. The pertinent part of the Wayne County Airport Authority Ordinance states no person shall “Possess a dangerous weapon in any area of the Airport. “Any area” includes, but is not limited to, all Airport buildings, Airport terminals, airfields, parking lots, Aircraft and vehicles using the Airport, and any building or gate that opens onto the airfield.” It is essential to review the ordinance if you will be going to the airport with anything that could be considered a weapon, even if you plan to leave it in your car.

Inadvertent or Unknowing Possession of a Weapon

Situations, where a person is simply unaware or forgets they are in possession of an item prohibited at the airport, are more common than you may think. In cases where someone has a concealed weapon permit and frequently possesses a firearm, it can just be a thoughtless mistake not to remove and store the firearm before going through security. In other cases, an airport passenger may not be aware that an item within their possession is considered a “weapon.” A wrongfully accused person must have an experienced, effective airport weapons charges attorney. The TSA defines “weapon” broadly, and an unwitting person can find themselves detained and charged with a criminal offense. Things that are considered to be weapons include:

What to do if you are arrested at the airport

You could be arrested by any of the following: the Romulus Police, the Airport Police, a federal Transportation Authority officer, or a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff, all of whom have concurrent jurisdiction over the airport. You could end up facing state, local, or federal charges. If arrested, the first thing you should politely say to the officer is that you respectfully decline to make a statement until you have spoken to your attorney. Being polite will go a long way later when your attorney attempts to get the charges dismissed. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is known to all law enforcement authorities above, and we are well-respected.

Do I have to come back to Michigan if I live in another state?

In many cases, a lawyer with advanced knowledge of the 34th District Court and the prosecutor in Wayne County will be able to handle your case without you traveling back to Michigan. Although there is no way to guarantee that you will not have to appear personally, the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can frequently resolve Detroit Metro Airport cases without the client needing to appear before the judge personally.

Pre-Charge Representation – “Can I keep my case out of court?”

Typically, a person stopped at security with a “dangerous weapon” will be issued a misdemeanor citation that looks similar to a traffic ticket. The airport police or Romulus police will complete a police report detailing the incident and any pertinent information. The report is then submitted to the prosecutor, who drafts a “complaint and warrant.” The complaint and warrant are brought to the court by a detective or Office in Charge, and a judge or magistrate signs the warrant. After the warrant is signed, a formal charge is opened at the 34th District Court, and the warrant is entered into a law enforcement database.

So, how can I stop my case from getting to court? Frankly, sometimes it is impossible to stop a formal charge from reaching the court. However, our team knows what steps to take to stop charges when possible. If someone is proactive and hires our team on a pre-charge representation basis, we might be able to prevent the charge from getting filed in court. If we can stop the charge from getting to court, there will be no public record whatsoever of the ticket being issued. If we cannot stop the charge, we will take measures to make it easier to resolve the case in court and get charges dismissed or reduced to something noncriminal, if possible.

Each Airport Weapons Charges Attorney with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has Extensive Experience.

We pride ourselves on having a good and respectful relationship with all law enforcement groups and prosecutor’s offices, which handle airport cases. In an airport, as at a national border, some rights of citizens are deemed waived, such as the fact that all persons must consent to a search of their person and belongings, which searches would be unheard of on the “street.” Therefore, there is often little “wiggle room” in defending airport cases because the government has so much freedom and power. The services of a respected, astute criminal lawyer are essential for these cases.

The dedicated, experienced, and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented many clients charged with crimes allegedly occurring at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Romulus is located in Wayne County. We have a well-earned reputation for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!