gun charge in maryland
Maryland gun law attorney are among the strictest in the nation. Gun charges in Maryland can have severe consequences. These penalties can be increased further depending on your previous criminal record, the location of the crime, and type of firearm possessed or used. If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony weapons charge, you could be facing substantial fines and years of imprisonment. It is important that you obtain legal representation from a knowledgeable Maryland attorney as soon as possible.
If you have been arrested on gun charges in Maryland, let one of our experienced attorneys give you the legal counsel you need today.
At Houlon Berman, we have over 50 years of experience representing clients in criminal matters all over the State of Maryland (Upper Marlboro, Rockville)and in D.C. We take pride in the results we fight for on behalf of our clients and can assist you in any criminal case, regardless of the charges, due to our experienced and dedicated attorneys about gun charges lawyer . Our approach starts with full investigation of the facts of your case in full consideration of the elements of the offense and an eye toward obtaining the best possible results for you.
Gun Charge Lawyers Maryland
Under Md. Code Ann. § 4-203, it is illegal to wear, carry, or transport a handgun (concealed or open) without a valid permit. The code also prohibits carrying or transporting a Gun Charge Lawyers Maryland on school property, or in a vehicle traveling on a public road, parking lot, waterway, airway, or with the deliberate purpose of injuring or killing another person.
In some circumstances, individuals are permitted to transport gun charge in maryland to and from a legal place of sale, a repair shop, or between residences if the Gun Charge Lawyers Maryland is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster. These gun charge in maryland transportation laws do not apply to law enforcement officials, active duty service members, or correctional officers.
Illegally carrying a firearm in Maryland is a misdemeanor. Penalties vary depending on the number of previous offenses:
- Penalties for first offenders include up to 3 years in jail and fines ranging from $250 to $2,500.
- A second conviction carries a prison sentence between 1 and 10 years.
- 3 or more convictions requires a minimum of 3 years in prison with sentences up to 10 years.
The use of a firearm during a violent crime or a felony is a misdemeanor and can add up to 20 years to any other sentences imposed.
Gun laws in Maryland prohibit the possession, use, or sale of assault pistols. Under Md Code Ann. § 4-301, assault pistols are defined as one of the following firearms:
- AA Arms AP-9 semiautomatic pistol
- Bushmaster semiautomatic pistol
- Claridge HI-TEC semiautomatic pistol
- D Max Industries semiautomatic pistol
- Encom MK-IV, MP-9, or MP-45 semiautomatic pistol
- Heckler and Koch semiautomatic SP-89 pistol
- Holmes MP-83 semiautomatic pistol
- Ingram MAC 10/11 semiautomatic pistol and variations including the Partisan Avenger and the SWD Cobray
- Intratec TEC-9/DC-9 semiautomatic pistol in any centerfire variation
- A.W.S. type semiautomatic pistol
- Skorpion semiautomatic pistol
- Spectre double action semiautomatic pistol (Sile, F.I.E., Mitchell)
- UZI semiautomatic pistol
- Weaver Arms semiautomatic Nighthawk pistol
- Wilkinson semiautomatic “Linda” pistol
The penalties for the possession of an illegal firearm are up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
The Maryland EXILE program is a statewide initiative to prevent gun crimes and prosecute repeat offenders. The program is committed to pursuing violent gangs and seeking jail time for both misdemeanor and felony weapons charges. Under EXILE, the State’s Attorney’s Office will consider federal prosecution for Gun Charge Lawyers Maryland involving drugs, violent crimes, and defendants with prior criminal convictions. Since state and federal prosecutors will also seek pretrial detention in all EXILE cases, it’s important for those charged with gun crimes in Maryland to seek experienced counsel immediately. Click here to see our page regarding Federal gun cases.
The following are examples of crimes under Maryland gun law:
- Use of weapon in school zone: Using or possessing a weapon on school grounds is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- Unlawful possession of a firearm: A convicted felon or drug user may not possess guns or ammunition of any kind. An unlawful possession of a firearm charge can result in prison time of up to 10 years. Those with 3 or more felony convictions face a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years.
- Possession of unregistered firearm: Possessing any destructive device, including a machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, or silencer can result in 10 years in prison without parole.
However, sometimes there are statutory exceptions that apply to a gun case or perhaps you accidentally carried your gun from Virginia into Maryland. We will explore all possibilities with you at our free consultation about gun charges lawyer in our Rockville or Greenbelt office.
gun charges lawyer – Defenses
If you were arrested on gun charges in Maryland, there are several defenses you can consider. Common defenses include:
- Constructive Possession: An experienced attorney can argue the weapon was not directly under your control. If a weapon was found nearby, but not in your direct possession, this can be a viable defense.
- Statutory Exceptions that apply to a gun case such as transporting to and from a gun range or to and from your work.
- Perhaps you accidentally carried your gun from Virginia where you lawfully carried it, into Maryland.
We will explore all possibilities about gun charges lawyer with you at our free consultation in our Rockville or Greenbelt office.
Illegal search
If law enforcement officials found a firearm during an unlawful search, your case could be dismissed. Our attorneys will determine if you experienced an unconstitutional search and work to get your charges dropped.
Each case is unique and our attorneys will examine your case to determine the best defense for your individual situation.
We are experts in 4th Amendment law. Click here to link to our Search and Seizure Law page. Here are some samples of some of the written arguments we have made in the past: DC Appeal, Maryland Appeal.
In Maryland, many firearm cases go to trial, while others reach a resolution in lieu of trial. At Houlon Berman, we take each and every firearm case one by one with an eye toward achieving the best possible result for our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys at Houlon Berman have broad experience representing clients successfully in firearm cases in Maryland (including Rockville, Upper Marlboro and D.C.). Our success derives from our years of experience, uncompromising commitment to our clients and hard work. Our clients receive a robust and aggressive defense in each and every case.
If you have a firearm case in Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, College Park, Laurel, Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, or anywhere else in the State of Maryland, please contact us.
Our Services – Gun Charges Attorney
Gun Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a gun-related crime, our gun defense lawyers are here to help. We provide aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom.
2nd Amendment Lawyers Near Me
As staunch advocates of the 2nd Amendment, we defend your right to bear arms. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of constitutional rights and how they apply to your case.
Gun Rights Attorney Near Me
Protecting gun rights lawyers near me is our priority. Our gun rights attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are not infringed upon by overreaching laws or charges.
Firearm Charges Attorney
Facing firearm charges can be daunting. Our firearm charges attorneys offer expert legal representation to challenge the charges against you and strive for the best possible outcome.
Criminal Gun Lawyers Near Me
Our criminal gun lawyer near me specialize in defending clients against criminal charges related to firearms. We understand the serious implications of these charges and fight to protect your future.
Firearms Lawyer Near Me
Looking for a reliable firearms lawyer near you? Houlon Berman provides top-notch legal assistance for all types of firearm-related issues, from possession charges to defense in complex cases.
Serving as Gun Charge Lawyers in these locations and more:
What should I do if I am arrested for a gun-related crime?
If you are arrested for a gun-related crime, remain calm and contact an experienced gun attorney immediately. Do not make any statements to the police without your lawyer present.
Can I legally carry a firearm in Maryland?
Maryland has specific laws regarding the carrying of firearms. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable gun rights lawyer to understand your rights and obligations.
What penalties can I face for a gun charge in Maryland?
Penalties for gun charges in Maryland can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of firearm rights. An experienced criminal gun lawyer can help mitigate these penalties.
How can a gun defense lawyer help me?
A gun defense lawyer can help by providing expert legal representation, challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and working to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.