Recognized Legal Authority
Media coverage, press releases, and expert commentary on firearms law and criminal defense.
Arrested 2 Days Before His Wedding: The Jonathan Dowling Story
April 2026 • USCCA Responsibly Armed Americans
A Taylor, Michigan man draws his legally carried firearm to protect his family from an aggressive pit bull and its threatening owner — and finds himself arrested two days before his wedding, facing felonious assault and felony firearm charges. Attorney Jim Makowski secured a full dismissal at the preliminary examination stage.
Featured in USCCA Responsibly Armed Americans, April 2026.
Read the Full StoryMedia & Press
Michigan's Permission Slip to Buy Pistols Violates 2nd Amendment, Lawsuit Says
June 2026 • MLive
Jim Makowski, acting as lead counsel for Michigan Gun Owners (MGO), filed a federal lawsuit alongside the NRA challenging Michigan's pistol purchase permit requirement. The lawsuit argues that requiring law-abiding citizens to obtain a government permit before purchasing a handgun is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The action targets the state's decades-long licensing and registration scheme that plaintiffs say conflicts with constitutional protections.
Read ArticleMichigan Lawsuit Over Gun Regulation
June 15, 2026 • Fox 2 Detroit with Charlie Langton
Attorney Jim Makowski sat down with Fox 2 Detroit anchor Charlie Langton to discuss the newly filed federal lawsuit challenging Michigan's pistol purchase permit law. The interview covers the constitutional basis for the challenge, Jim's role as MGO's lead counsel, and what the lawsuit means for Michigan gun owners. The segment aired June 15, 2026.
Watch SegmentInspiring Conversations With Jim Makowski of Makowski Legal
April 7, 2026 • Voyage Michigan
An in-depth interview exploring Jim's background, his role with Michigan Gun Owners and the USCCA, a landmark Michigan Supreme Court win, and his direct-access approach to client representation.
Read InterviewThe Home Defense Show: Mob Attacks and Riots
July 4, 2024 • The Home Defense Show with Jerome Coryell
Jim joins host Jerome Coryell to discuss self-defense law in the context of mob attacks and civil unrest. The conversation covers how Michigan law applies when incidents involve multiple aggressors, crowd dynamics, and the legal landscape beyond one-on-one confrontations.
Listen to EpisodeSpeaking & Expert Commentary
Jim is available for media interviews, podcast appearances, and legal commentary on Michigan firearms law and criminal defense.
Michigan Gun Law
CPL, NFA, Second Amendment litigation, and firearms rights restoration
Self-Defense Law
Michigan self-defense statutes, justified use of force, and complex multi-party incidents
Criminal Defense
OWI, professional license protection, and high-stakes trial advocacy
Jim also teaches continuing legal education to Michigan judges and attorneys, and serves as a subject matter resource for other practitioners.
Request an Interview or AppearanceMedia Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or expert commentary, reach Jim directly.
Phone: 313-434-3900
Email: info@makowskilegal.com