What weapons are illegal to possess in Maryland?

State law ( It’s also illegal to possess other firearms in certain places, such as school zones or at a public demonstration, or if you are personally disqualified from legally possessing a gun in Maryland due to prior convictions or other criteria.

Are gun crimes misdemeanors or felonies in Maryland?

There are several different types of weapons offenses in Maryland. Some gun crimes, like wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm without a permit, are generally charged as misdemeanors. Other gun offenses, like unlawfully possessing a gun when prohibited from doing so under state law, are commonly charged as felonies in Maryland. A misdemeanor gun charge, though less serious than a felony, shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even a conviction for a misdemeanor weapons offense could lead to significant jail time and fines.

Will I go to jail for a weapons offense?

Jail time is a very real possibility when facing gun charges in Maryland, but that doesn’t mean it’s a certainty. Even a conviction of a first-offense misdemeanor violation of wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm could send you to jail for up to five years under state law (Section 4-203). Felony charges can result in even longer penalties, with the potential for 15 to 20 years for certain violations. In some cases, weapons crimes in Maryland impose a You’re more likely to be able to avoid or serve minimal jail time if the violation you’re accused of committing is a misdemeanor charge and a first offense. For repeat offenses and felony charges, the likelihood of a lengthier prison sentence is greater. When facing any type of weapons charge, hiring experienced gun offense attorneys in Maryland is essential for achieving a more beneficial outcome, including avoiding imprisonment altogether or reducing the time you serve.

How can an attorney defend me against a gun charge?

Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may pursue a variety of possible defenses to a weapons charge, including: Getting charges dropped or reduced due to illegal search and seizure or rights violations, such as stopping you without probable cause Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through improper procedures of any kind Advocating for charges to be dropped due to the lack of evidence against you Preparing a robust defense that highlights the prosecution’s failure to prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt Raising extenuating circumstances and other mitigating factors as reasons to drop or reduce your charges or impose lighter sentences Negotiating a plea deal for reduced charges or lighter sentences The prosecutor must present a strong case, backed by evidence obtained through proper procedures, that establishes your guilt beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction on a weapons charge. Our attorneys examine cases like yours from all angles to identify defenses based on the evidence, statutory rules, and procedural rules that could lead to a more favorable resolution to your case.

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You don’t even have to fire a gun in Maryland to face serious charges and significant criminal penalties. Weapons offenses can arise out of simply having a gun in your possession under the wrong circumstances. The consequences of these charges can include years of jail time. If you’re charged with firearm violations of any kind, your next move should be to retain seasoned Maryland gun crime lawyers who can help you fight back against these charges and protect your future. Maronick Law LLC’s team of gun offense attorneys in Maryland is dedicated to pursuing legal solutions that lead to the best outcomes possible for each and every client we represent.

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Charged With Gun Offenses in Maryland?

Judges and juries across Maryland take gun crime charges very seriously. With the stakes of any weapon-related offense encompassing hefty fines and significant jail time, it can be nerve-wracking to confront these charges and the potential penalties of a conviction.

At Maronick Law LLC, our Maryland gun crime lawyers are committed to providing our clients with the aggressive representation and advocacy they deserve and guiding them through criminal proceedings.

Although you might not think you need professional legal defense for possession and other non-violent gun crimes, the criminal legal process is fraught with potential mistakes. The consequences of even these violations could change your life forever, causing you to spend years in jail and bear the lifelong burden of a criminal record.

When you’ve been charged with any type of weapons crime, an experienced attorney can protect your rights and develop the strongest possible defense.

Understanding Maryland’s Strict Gun Laws

In Maryland, strict laws punishable by harsh penalties restrict the possession and carrying of firearms, as well as their use in both the commission of crimes and self-defense. You need on your side experienced gun offense attorneys in Maryland who understand the nuances of weapons offenses. Our team knows not only what’s at stake but also how to defend clients and achieve favorable outcomes.

Unlawful Weapon Possession Charges

Unlawful possession is a common yet serious weapons charge in Maryland. State law prohibits individuals from possessing guns under a number of different circumstances, including if the individual meets any of the following criteria:

Under age 21
Has a prior conviction of any disqualifying crime, which generally includes any felony, any crime of violence, and any misdemeanor for which the maximum jail term exceeds two years
Has a prior DUI or DWI conviction within the last year
Is a fugitive from justice
Is subject to a protective order or restraining order
Has been designated as a habitual drunkard or drug user

Unlawful possession of a regulated firearm carries significant penalties in Maryland, even if the gun wasn’t used to commit any other offense. Under state law, possession after having been convicted of a crime of violence is a felony charge in and of itself. A conviction on this charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and the potential for up to 15 years of jail time.

Charges for Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Weapons

Even if you’re not disqualified from possessing a gun, you could get in trouble for having one with or on you in Maryland.

Under Section 4-203 of state law, it is illegal to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, whether concealed, open, or on your person, except under certain circumstances. If you are not a law enforcement personnel or a member of the Armed Forces, you generally need a state-issued Handgun Wear and Carry Permit to carry or transport firearms in Maryland (except for transporting guns to or from places of legal purchase, repair shops, hunting, target shooting, and similar activities).

Certain conditions can result in enhanced penalties for a charge of wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm, including:

Repeat offenses
Violations occurring on school property

You can also face legal consequences that pertain to when and where you have a gun in your possession. Possessing a gun on school property or during a public demonstration can lead to serious criminal charges.

Granting access to a gun to a child under 16, including storing the weapon in a way that allows for unsupervised access, is also generally illegal in Maryland.

Gun Charges and Violent Crime Offenses

Gun crime charges can often be filed in conjunction with violent offenses, theft charges, drug distribution, or drug possession allegations. Using a gun—even an unloaded or inoperable one—in the commission of any violent crime could lead to major legal consequences. If convicted of using a handgun in the commission of a crime, you’ll be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of five years of imprisonment and could potentially face up to 20 years of jail time, on top of any penalties you receive for the violent crime itself.

Our Maryland gun crime lawyers have experience working in all areas of criminal law, so we’re able to assist you with both the gun charges and any related criminal offenses.

Weapon Use in Self-Defense in Maryland

Laws on using guns for self-defense in Maryland are also complicated. Outside of your home, Maryland follows the “duty to retreat” common law, allowing you to “stand your ground” only in situations in which imminent peril makes retreating an unsafe or ineffective option for avoiding danger. Still, the use of force, including firearms, in self-defense in Maryland can’t be “excessive.”

These nuances mean that a person whose carrying or use of a weapon was legitimately for the purpose of self-defense could potentially face criminal charges if they are accused of standing their ground when they had a duty to retreat or of using excessive force against the threat to their safety. In such a situation, you need the aggressive representation of experienced Maryland gun crime lawyers to help you establish the immediacy and severity of the threat against you and help you fight these unjust charges.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

Our full-service firm has extensive experience in all areas of weapons offense charges and criminal defense law. We’re prepared to defend clients charged at the state or federal level against charges involving:

Handgun crimes
Unlawful possession of a weapon
Unlawful wearing, carrying, and transportation of a firearm
Illegal use and firing of guns
Weapons trafficking
Armed robbery
Gang-related weapon crimes

At Maronick Law LLC, we take a holistic, comprehensive approach to your weapons offense case. We start by investigating the circumstances of your arrest and assessing every detail of the charges against you. This knowledge empowers us to determine whether your rights were violated, whether any procedural errors were made, and whether any mitigating circumstances exist. Based on your individual circumstances, our Maryland gun crime lawyers can form strategic plans, weigh the options available to you, and help you make educated decisions about your future.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

Who you choose to defend you against gun possession and other weapons offense charges will affect your future. At Maronick Law LLC, we’re committed to fighting for a favorable outcome to your case.

Experienced Maryland Gun Crime Lawyers

Leading our knowledgeable team of Maryland gun crime lawyers is firm founder and senior partner Thomas J. Maronick Jr., an award-winning attorney who has built a reputation as a leader in the legal field. In addition to handling criminal cases across Maryland, Mr. Maronick regularly appears on national news outlets.

Proven Success Challenging Weapon and Gun Charges

A history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients has built up our team’s strong reputation for challenging weapons offense charges. With our in-depth knowledge of all types of firearms offenses in Maryland, Maronick Law LLC is well-equipped to craft a strong legal strategy and provide the support you need throughout the criminal law process.

Legal Assistance Anywhere in Maryland

Our team is committed to providing premier legal representation to those who need it most. We represent clients from all over the state, including Glen Burnie, Baltimore, Ocean City, Harford, and Towson. To ensure defendants across Maryland have convenient access to the legal assistance they need, our firm has multiple office locations statewide.

Free, Confidential Case Review

What if you could talk to a seasoned attorney and get your specific questions about your case answered at no cost? Maronick Law LLC offers complimentary initial consultations by phone or in our office so that prospective clients can explore their legal options with no risk and no obligation. This is your chance to find out how our gun offense attorneys in Maryland can assist you.

Contact the Maryland Gun Crime Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Consultation

Never underestimate the consequences a weapons charge in Maryland could have on your life. High fines, years of imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record are all potential repercussions of being convicted of a violation as simple as having a weapon in your possession. You need to fight this charge with the full force of experienced legal representation.

For help from gun offense attorneys in Maryland, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

State law (Section 3-303 of the Criminal Code) in Maryland prohibits the use or possession of assault weapons, including assault pistols like the UZI semiautomatic pistol, assault long guns, and copycat weapons. Generally, machine guns (under Section 4-402), rapid fire trigger activators (under Section 4-305.1), and short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns (under Section 5-203 of the Public Safety Code) are illegal, as well.
It’s also illegal to possess other firearms in certain places, such as school zones or at a public demonstration, or if you are personally disqualified from legally possessing a gun in Maryland due to prior convictions or other criteria.
There are several different types of weapons offenses in Maryland. Some gun crimes, like
wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm without a permit, are generally charged as misdemeanors. Other gun offenses, like unlawfully possessing a gun when prohibited from doing so under state law, are commonly charged as felonies in Maryland.
A misdemeanor gun charge, though less serious than a felony, shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even a conviction for a misdemeanor weapons offense could lead to significant jail time and fines.
Jail time is a very real possibility when facing gun charges in Maryland, but that doesn’t mean it’s a certainty.
Even a conviction of a first-offense misdemeanor violation of wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm could send you to jail for up to five years under state law (Section 4-203). Felony charges can result in even longer penalties, with the potential for 15 to 20 years for certain violations. In some cases, weapons crimes in Maryland impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years.
You’re more likely to be able to avoid or serve minimal jail time if the violation you’re accused of committing is a misdemeanor charge and a first offense. For repeat offenses and felony charges, the likelihood of a lengthier prison sentence is greater. When facing any type of weapons charge, hiring experienced gun offense attorneys in Maryland is essential for achieving a more beneficial outcome, including avoiding imprisonment altogether or reducing the time you serve.
Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may pursue a variety of possible defenses to a weapons charge, including:
Getting charges dropped or reduced due to illegal search and seizure or rights violations, such as stopping you without probable cause
Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through improper procedures of any kind
Advocating for charges to be dropped due to the lack of evidence against you
Preparing a robust defense that highlights the prosecution’s failure to prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Raising extenuating circumstances and other mitigating factors as reasons to drop or reduce your charges or impose lighter sentences
Negotiating a plea deal for reduced charges or lighter sentences
The prosecutor must present a strong case, backed by evidence obtained through proper procedures, that establishes your guilt beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction on a weapons charge. Our attorneys examine cases like yours from all angles to identify defenses based on the evidence, statutory rules, and procedural rules that could lead to a more favorable resolution to your case.