Howard County Gun Lawyer
Maryland gun laws are complicated, and care, caution, and circumspection should be exercised when confronted with issues concerning firearms in Maryland. If you are accused of a gun crime or have a question about Maryland gun laws, call an experienced Howard County gun lawyer today.
New Maryland Gun Laws
In 2013, Maryland imposed significant new restrictions on gun ownership. The state now bans 45 types of semi-automatic firearms that are considered assault weapons. These newly defined assault weapons are prohibited from being brought into Maryland – even if passing through the state in a secure fashion.
The new gun legislation also limits magazine capacity to ten rounds, requires that handgun purchasers be fingerprinted and pass a training class in order to obtain a handgun license, and bars persons who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health institution from possessing any type of firearm. Even if you are relatively unfamiliar with the full extent of these new regulations, an experienced Howard County gun lawyer will know them extensively and be able to apply that knowledge to your case.
Concealed Weapons
It is unlawful in Maryland for a person to carry a concealed gun or any form of dangerous weapon that is concealed on or about the person. There are exceptions to this prohibition that pertain mostly to law enforcement personnel, and it possible to obtain a permit to carry certain types of weapons that may allow concealment, but this entails a complicated and highly restricted application process.
Carrying a concealed firearm is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000 (Section 4-101(d)). However, if the evidence indicates that the weapon was being carried with the deliberate intent of injuring or killing someone, then the court must impose a mandatory three-year prison sentence making it even more important that a Howard County gun lawyer is contacted (Section 4-101(d)(2)).
Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Unlawfully Injure a Person
If carried openly, the mere possession of a firearm with the intent to use it against another is a crime (Section 4-101(c)(2)).
Possession of a firearm with unlawful intent is a misdemeanor punishable by a mandatory three-year prison sentence (Section 4-101(d)).
Deadly Weapons on School Property
Possession of a firearm on school property is a crime. There are numerous exceptions for authorized possession by law enforcement and school security officials (Section 4-102).
Possession of a firearm on school property is a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days to three years in prison and/or a fine of $250 to $2,500 (Section 4-203(c)(2)(ii)).
Possession of a Firearm at Public Demonstrations
Possession of a firearm at a public demonstration is unlawful, including possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet to a public demonstration. This law only applies to individuals who have been advised that a demonstration is occurring by a law enforcement officer, or to those who do not leave the place of demonstration or properly dispose of the firearm after being so advised (Section 4-208).
Possession of a firearm at a public demonstration is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 (Section 4-208(c)).
If you or a loved one have been charged with any of the above crimes, it is important to speak with a Howard County gun lawyer as soon as possible. Maryland is known for its strong stand on gun control, and so it’s important that you do all that you can to properly represent yourself against these serious charges.
How A Howard County Gun Lawyer Can Help You
Maryland’s complex gun regulatory scheme is new and still in flux. Some aspects of the new amendments are now the subject of appeals challenging the constitutionality of some of the prohibitions. If you have questions about Maryland gun laws or are in need the services of a Howard County gun lawyer, call today.