News & Insights

Michel & Associates, P.C. | October 13, 2026 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched its new Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (FFRR) program under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). For the first time in decades, people who are federally prohibited from possessing firearms have a working federal process to ask for their rights back. The key dates: • November 4, 2026: The application opens to the public. Only the first 5,000 applicants can apply, on a first come, first served basis. • January 4, 2027: The application reopens for 500 more applicants. The $30 application fee starts at this stage ...

The Limits of Crime-Gun Trace Data A new article published by the University of Wyoming’s Firearms Research Center examines how ATF and California crime-gun trace data can be misinterpreted to imply wrongdoing by lawful firearm retailers. The Limits of Crime-Gun Trace Data, authored by Jason A. Davis, C.D. “Chuck” Michel, and Anna M. Barvir, responds to recent reporting concerning Turner’s Outdoorsman and explains the important distinction between identifying a firearm’s prior retail source and establishing wrongdoing by the retailer. The article discusses the limitations of crime-gun trace data and the importance of considering sales volume and other relevant context before ...

The United States Supreme Court concluded its current term by granting certiorari in the consolidated cases of Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, marking another significant development in Second Amendment jurisprudence. The cases present several important constitutional questions that have remained unresolved. Among them: What qualifies as an "arm" protected by the Second Amendment? How is the “common use” test applied? The Court's answer will likely establish a nationwide framework for evaluating the constitutionality of firearm and magazine bans and other restrictions under the Second Amendment Constitution. The announcement follows the Supreme Court's recent rulings in United States ...

In a major victory for Second Amendment advocates nationwide, the United States Supreme Court today issued its decision in Wolford v. Lopez, holding that Hawaii's expansive "sensitive places" carry restrictions violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. The Court reversed the Ninth Circuit's prior ruling and reaffirmed that states may not broadly prohibit the carrying of firearms in ordinary public places absent a well-established historical tradition supporting such restrictions. The decision is particularly significant for California because Hawaii's law closely mirrored California's Senate Bill 2, which dramatically expanded the number of locations where licensed concealed carry permit holders are prohibited from ...

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important Second Amendment decision in United States v. Hemani, striking down the federal government's attempt to prosecute a firearm owner under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) based solely on his status as an unlawful user of marijuana. The case involved a man who used marijuana several times per week and possessed a firearm in his home. The government did not allege that he was addicted, intoxicated while armed, dangerous, or that he had ever misused a firearm. Instead, it relied on historical laws restricting so-called "habitual drunkards" to justify the modern prohibition. The Supreme Court ...

The Supreme Court's continued consideration of Duncan v. Bonta has become one of the most closely watched developments in Second Amendment litigation. After being relisted more than 20 times, the case is approaching historic territory and has left gun owners, legal scholars, and constitutional advocates wondering when the Court will finally act. At the heart of Duncan is a fundamental question that could shape the future of Second Amendment jurisprudence: What qualifies as an "arm" protected by the Constitution? According to Michel & Associates, P.C. Senior Counsel and Managing Partner C.D. "Chuck" Michel, the answer carries consequences far beyond California's ...

As the firearms industry and Second Amendment community continue waiting for movement from the Supreme Court in Duncan v. Bonta, the national legal landscape surrounding magazine bans continues to intensify. Last week, the federal Department of Justice announced a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s prohibition on magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. The action adds even more weight to the growing constitutional battle over so-called “large capacity” magazine restrictions and further highlights the expanding divide among courts across the country. That pressure was already mounting following the decision in Benson v. United States, which contributed to a developing circuit split ...

A decisive court victory in Junior Shooting Sports Magazines, Inc. v. Bonta has struck down California’s unconstitutional restrictions on so-called “youth marketing” in the firearms space—protecting both First and Second Amendment rights. The ruling confirms that the State overstepped its authority by attempting to limit lawful communications and suppress youth participation in shooting sports. Just as importantly, the decision reinforces that free speech protections remain firmly intact and cannot be sidelined. This win not only restores critical freedoms but also fuels future legal challenges, as recovered attorneys’ fees are reinvested into the fight against unconstitutional laws. The California Rifle & ...

Michel & Associates, P.C. is proud to celebrate a decisive and complete victory in Junior Shooting Sports Magazines, Inc. v. Bonta—a landmark challenge to California’s unconstitutional attempt to ban lawful communications about firearms, firearm-related products, and events allegedly “targeting minors.” Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 2571 in an effort that threatened junior shooting sports and sought to cut off the next generation of lawful firearm owners from access to information, training, and participation. This complete victory reflects the persistence of our legal team and our clients. We took this fight through the Ninth Circuit not once, but twice—and prevailed ...

After years of uncertainty for pro-Second Amendment cases before en banc panels in the Ninth Circuit, Rhode v. Bonta now heads into oral argument on March 25 in Pasadena before what may be the most favorable panel composition we could hope for. In a special edition of California Rifle & Pistol Association TV released this afternoon, Chuck Michel, President and General Counsel of California Rifle & Pistol Association, breaks down the panel’s makeup, explains how it could influence the outcome, and discusses the extraordinary next step that may be considered if the case results in a favorable ruling. WATCH CRPA ...