Prince George’s County Gun Crime Lawyers

Maryland has strict and complex laws regarding firearms in the state. We understand how important Second Amendment rights are to many residents and want to help make sure you are following the laws so you can enjoy these rights. If you violate firearms laws in Maryland, you can face very serious consequences as well as the burdens of a criminal record. If you or a loved one has been charged with a gun crime in the state of Maryland, it is essential to retain the services of a team of Prince George’s County criminal lawyers who can fight to protect you from an uncertain future. Contact Miller Berman today to learn how we can assist you.

Gun Laws in Maryland

The state of Maryland’s gun laws are complicated. The state views handguns in a much different way from long guns, like rifles and shotguns. Maryland residents do not need a purchase permit, nor do they need to register rifles or shotguns.

Additionally, they do not need a license to own standard long guns, although carrying or transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun is still restricted under Maryland law.

Due to the fact that handguns are considered “regulated firearms,” they are treated differently. This term means that purchasers must obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), complete Maryland’s regulated firearm application and approval process, and obtain a Wear and Carry Permit only if they intend to carry a handgun in public.

Who is Not Permitted to Possess a Firearm?

Not everyone in Maryland is permitted to own a firearm, including handguns. The state has regulations for ownership based on who they feel could be a danger to themselves or society with access to a weapon. Individuals who are not permitted to possess firearms include the following:

• Fugitives
• Individuals convicted of certain “disqualifying crimes,” including many felonies, crimes of violence, and specific serious misdemeanors
• Persons who have been convicted of violent crimes
• Habitual users
• Habitual drunkards
• Individuals under 21 with respect to regulated firearms (handguns), though some long guns may be possessed at 18
• Individuals who have been involuntarily committed, or voluntarily admitted for more than 30 consecutive days to a mental health facility, or who otherwise meet Maryland’s mental-health-based disqualifications

In 2013, the state of Maryland banned the sale, transfer, and new acquisition of specific listed assault long guns and “copycat” weapons, and prohibited the sale, transfer, or manufacture of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

If you are convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm, you may face serious consequences, including jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. Of course, the penalties increase in severity when a person who is barred from owning a firearm has one in their possession.

Firearms and Other Crimes

If you are found to use a gun while committing a violent crime, the consequences are as serious as they get. You may face decades in prison. The use or possession of a firearm during a crime can upgrade the crime and add years to your sentence. Some examples include:

• Simple assaults can be upgraded to aggravated assaults
• Robbery can be upgraded to armed robbery

Maryland Gun Crimes FAQ

Q: Do I need a permit to carry a handgun in Maryland?
A: Yes. Anyone who wants to carry a handgun in public, openly or concealed, must have a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. Owning a handgun at home is different; you do not need a carry permit to keep one at your residence or place of business, but you do need a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase one.

Q: Are high-capacity magazines illegal in Maryland?
A: Maryland law prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Possession itself is not banned, and Maryland residents can legally own them if they were acquired out of state. However, using one while committing a crime can increase penalties.

Q: What counts as an “assault weapon” under Maryland law?
A: Maryland does not ban every semi-automatic rifle. Instead, it restricts a specific list of “assault long guns” and “copycat weapons.” These cannot be sold or transferred in the state, and new acquisitions are prohibited. The exact list is detailed in Maryland’s Public Safety Article.

Q: Can a gun charge be expunged in Maryland?
A: Most convictions for gun-related offenses are not eligible for expungement. If charges were dismissed, placed on nolle prosequi, or resulted in an acquittal, expungement may be possible. A conviction, however, usually remains on your record permanently.

Q: What happens if a prohibited person is caught with a gun?
A: The penalties are especially severe. Individuals prohibited due to felony convictions, violent-crime histories, certain mental health disqualifications, or other statutory bars may face significant prison time, mandatory minimum sentences, and federal involvement in some cases.

Contact Our PG County, Maryland Gun Crime Lawyers

If you have been charged with committing a gun crime in the state of Maryland, you need a legal team that is ready to fight to protect your future. With so much at stake, like fines and jail time, retaining the services of a trusted legal team should be at the top of your priority list. Contact Miller Berman today to learn how we can assist you in your case.