Maryland has some of the strictest rules about guns in the United States. Breaking these laws can have severe consequences and impact your life dramatically.
If you own a gun in Maryland, it’s essential to stay informed about the state’s firearm laws to avoid legal problems. Even if you’re very careful, mistakes can still happen. Knowledge of these laws will help you stay on the right side of the law.
Charged with Breaking Gun Laws?
If you’ve been charged with violating gun laws in Maryland, you need an experienced attorney. The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates specialize in defending the rights of Maryland gun owners. They have extensive experience in this area and can help with your carry permit charges.
To learn more about Maryland’s gun laws, keep reading or contact our office for personal legal advice. We’re here to help you understand your situation and fight for your rights.
Maryland Rifle Laws
Knowing how the state classifies and regulates firearms is essential to understand Maryland’s gun laws. In Maryland, handguns are heavily regulated, while long guns like rifles and shotguns (that aren’t classified as “assault” weapons) have fewer restrictions.
Buying a Long Gun
To purchase a long gun, such as a rifle, you need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Show your state ID
- Pass a background check conducted by a licensed firearm dealer
Buying a Handgun
Purchasing a handgun in Maryland involves more steps:
- Be 21 years old or older
- Show your state ID
- Pass a background check by a licensed firearm dealer
- Obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
- Complete a certified firearm safety training course (unless you are a qualified handgun instructor)
- Have your fingerprints taken and submitted to the Maryland State Police
You must also wait seven days before buying a handgun. Contact the Handgun Permit Unit for further instructions if it’s been over 90 days. Once you purchase a handgun, ensure it is registered with the Maryland State Police. Failure to do so or carrying an unregistered firearm can lead to legal trouble and possible imprisonment for up to five years.
If you face any issues or charges related to firearm laws, it’s crucial to follow these regulations and seek help from a criminal defense attorney.
Who Can Own a Gun in Maryland
In Maryland, you must pass a background check before buying a firearm. While most people in Maryland have the constitutional right to own a gun, there are restrictions to ensure public safety.
Specific individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm in Maryland, including:
- Fugitives from justice
- Convicted felons
- Those convicted of a violent crime
- Habitual drunkards
- People with an addiction or chronic users of narcotics
- Individuals who have spent more than 30 consecutive days in a mental institution for treatment
If you fall into any of these categories and have concerns about your right to own a firearm, please contact our office for legal advice and assistance.
Prohibited Gun Laws in Maryland
Maryland’s gun laws not only control who can buy a firearm but also ban certain types of firearms from being purchased or possessed. In Maryland, it is generally illegal to possess, sell, transfer, or make the following types of firearms:
- Assault weapons, including certain rifles and pistols
- Shotguns with folding pistol grip
- Short-barreled rifles or shotguns
This list doesn’t cover everything, so it’s a good idea to consult a criminal law expert before buying or acquiring a firearm, especially if it’s not from a licensed dealer. Possessing an illegal gun, such as an assault weapon, can result in a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, so checking the legality of your gun is crucial.
Maryland Carry Laws
Maryland has strict rules for the public’s carrying of firearms. If you face charges for illegal carry, it’s essential to contact a gun lawyer for help.
In Maryland, you generally need a permit to carry a handgun, whether concealed or open. A Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) is required for concealed and open carry.
To get a handgun permit, you must be at least 21 years old (or 18 for job-related purposes) and show a good reason for needing to carry a handgun. Long guns have fewer restrictions, but if you choose to take one openly, be aware that law enforcement may approach you. Even with a permit, there are places where you cannot carry a handgun in Maryland. You cannot bring a firearm into:
- Public school properties
- Areas within 1000 feet of a demonstration
- Aircraft
- Legislative buildings
- State-owned public buildings or grounds
- Lodging establishments
- Dredge boats (except for a 10-gauge shotgun)
- Chesapeake Forest Lands
- State forests or parks
- Adult rehabilitation centers
- Child care centers
- Places where firearms are federally banned
If you carry a handgun illegally in Maryland, it’s considered a misdemeanor. First-time offenders face fines between $250 and $2,500 and up to 3 years in jail. Repeated offenses can lead to up to 10 years in prison. Illegal transport of a firearm also carries these penalties. Carrying a weapon onto prohibited property, like school zones or adult rehabilitation centers, can result in even harsher penalties, including up to 5 years in prison.
Maryland Gun Laws on Transport
Maryland has strict rules for transporting firearms, especially handguns. When taking your guns on the road, following specific guidelines is essential.
For handguns:
- The gun must be unloaded.
- It should be kept in a carrying case or holster with a flap.
- Neither the firearm nor the ammunition should be easily accessible from the passenger area.
- Keep the gun in the trunk or as far from the driver’s seat as possible.
For long guns:
- They can be kept in the vehicle without a case as long as they are unloaded.
If you don’t have a permit to carry a handgun in Maryland, you can only transport a gun in the following situations:
- Moving it between your home and a service center or gun shop.
- Transporting it between different homes or businesses.
- Going to or from a shooting range, event, hunting, trapping, or dog training class.
- Moving it as part of your gun collection to an exhibition.
Outside of these situations, it would help to keep your firearm at home and out of sight. Transportation laws can be complex, so if you face charges related to gun transport, a criminal lawyer might help you reduce those charges.
When to Reach Out to a Maryland Gun Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with possessing an unregistered gun, carrying a handgun without proper permission, or any other gun-related offense in Maryland, it’s crucial to act quickly. You could face lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, restrictions on your right to own firearms, and a criminal record that lasts a lifetime.
Consult a Maryland gun defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and create a strong defense. Our team at The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates is ready to evaluate your case and work to secure your freedom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
