Prince George’s County Gun Charges

Prince George’s County gun charges can encapsulate a couple of different offenses. For example, an individual could face charges for bringing a gun into a gun-free zone. They could also face charges for failing to observe proper gun transportation protocols. No matter the offense, the consequences could be particularly severe. That is why it is important for those facing gun charges to speak with a skilled gun lawyer that could help. A hard-working attorney could build a solid defense for those who have been charged and fight to protect their rights.

Ways Someone Can Be Charged with a Gun Offense

There are a variety of ways someone can find themselves facing Prince George’s County gun charges. One way is through a summons, a warrant for their arrest. Perhaps police observed a person with a gun or they see who fired it. More frequently, however, it is somebody reporting to police that someone had a firearm, brandished it, or discharged it. Another way, and a frequent one is that the police found a firearm during a routine traffic stop.

Possession in Gun Cases

There are two elements in determining what constitutes possession of a gun, and they are knowledge, and the ability to exercise dominion and control. Knowledge means the person knew the gun was in their possession, whether they put it there or someone else did. The ability to exercise dominion and control means the gun is within their reach and they can use it.

There also are actual possession and constructive possession. The first means they have the gun on their person. Constructive possession is having a gun, but not necessarily on their person; perhaps it is in another room at home, but they know it is there and they have dominion and control of it.

Transportation of Firearms

One of the most common cases of possession of a firearm has to do with the transportation of firearms in someone’s vehicle. There are certain protocols in Maryland for having a firearm in the car, including the proper place for storing it. Many individuals who are lawful owners of a gun do not care for them as they should. A person may carelessly throw it under their seat driving home from a gun range, and that is illegal. People passing through the state usually are not aware of Maryland’s possibly more strict requirements. As a result, an individual could find themselves facing Prince George’s County gun charges, without knowing that they have done anything wrong.

Conspiracy as it Relates to Gun Charges in Prince George’s County

Conspiracy simply means an agreement between one or more other persons and the intent to carry it out. Where it becomes a legal problem is if the intent of that conspiracy is to violate a law. For example, if two people who are not allowed by law to possess a gun conspire to purchase one anyhow, and they discuss getting the money for it, and someone overhears and records their discussion and turns them in, that constitutes a conspiracy. Maybe they were not able to purchase the gun, but they can be charged with conspiracy to do so.

Often in Prince George’s County, a charge of conspiracy is accompanied by other offenses, such as being in possession of ammunition, even if not possessing a gun. They also could have a handgun on their person or in the car in violation of a law, they are underage, drugs may be present, or they may be trafficking drugs or firearms. There are numerous additional charges that can arise, depending on the nature of the person, their history, and the facts surrounding the gun charge. If an individual wants to know more about conspiracy as it relates to Prince George’s County gun charges, individuals should consult a proactive and intelligent gun lawyer that could answer their questions and build their case.