The state of Maryland arguably has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, though recent court decisions have expanded access to handgun carry permits for otherwise qualified applicants. Because these weapons are heavily regulated, you may be hesitant to purchase or carry a firearm out of fear that you will inadvertently commit a criminal offense. Well, you should not let this completely deter you, and know that getting a gun permit is the first step in the right direction. Without further ado, please follow along to find out whether you will be charged with a crime for carrying a gun without a permit, and how one of the proficient Prince George’s County gun crime lawyers at Miller Berman, LLC, can help you acquire the right licensure.
What are the steps for acquiring a gun permit in Maryland?
For this blog specifically, we will focus on the rules surrounding handguns in Maryland. Most individuals looking to purchase a handgun in Maryland must first obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL). To successfully earn this license, you must attend a four-hour firearms safety training course with an approved instructor. Then, you must get your fingerprints taken by an authorized provider. Lastly, you must fill out and complete your application with the state police licensing portal, supplemented by a $50 application fee. This process may take up to 30 days. It’s important to note that the HQL primarily governs the purchase, rental, or transfer of handguns rather than the lawful possession of firearms already owned.
Importantly, this is a distinct licensure from permission to carry a handgun in public. For this, you must acquire a Wear and Carry Permit. Here, you must complete 16 hours of a training course that covers state gun laws, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms, etc. Next, you must pass a live-fire test with at least 70 percent accuracy. Again, you must file your certificates, fingerprints, passport-style photo, and a $125 application fee through the state police licensing portal. You must be willing to submit to a background check conducted by the state police, which will allow them to make a final decision within 90 days.
Can I be charged for carrying a gun without a permit in Maryland?
Even if you successfully completed your Wear and Carry Permit application, you must not begin carrying your handgun in public until you get an official response from the state police. This is because Maryland law generally prohibits carrying a handgun in public without a Wear and Carry Permit, although certain limited transportation exceptions may apply. This generally applies regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or openly carried.
Typically, this act is punished as a misdemeanor in the state of Maryland. If you are a first-time offender, you may be ordered to jail time anywhere between 30 days and three years, along with a fine of up to $2,500, though penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances, prior offenses, and whether other aggravating factors are involved. A conviction may also permanently disqualify you from owning, purchasing, and carrying any other firearms.
At Miller Berman, LLC, we want to ensure you are able to exercise your Second Amendment right while complying with state laws. So before you find yourself in serious legal trouble, please reach out to one of the talented Prince George’s County criminal lawyers from Miller Berman, LLC. We look forward to guiding and advising you.
