Transporting Firearms in Prince George’s County
The right to bear arms is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, however, there are still rules concerning where and when it is appropriate to do so. It is important that individuals follow these rules in order to avoid criminal consequences and the potential loss of the right to possess arms. It is important to follow rules regarding things like the transportation of firearms. If you want to know more about transporting firearms in Prince George’s County, speak with a knowledgeable gun lawyer that could answer your questions.
Reasons Someone Might Have to Transport a Firearm
People may transport their firearm in Prince George’s County if they are:
- Going to a gun show
- Going to a firing range
- Going hunting if it is a hunting firearms
- Going to sell it, transporting it home to purchaser
Steps to Legally Transport a Firearm
In order to legally transport a firearm in Maryland, the person:
- Cannot leave the state
- Cannot come into the state
- The firearm has to be unloaded in the trunk or as far away from the driver as possible, separate from ammunition
Transporting firearms in Prince George’s County is unlawful when it is outside of the limited scope of transporting it from Point “A” to Point “B” and back. If a person does not have a separate compartment in their car, like a glove box or trunk, they must store it as far as away as possible from the driver’s seat.
Illegal Transportation of a Firearm
A person must abide by the laws of any state that they are traveling to and through. If someone is traveling from Virginia to Pennsylvania (both Virginia and Pennsylvania generally have more liberal gun laws than Maryland) a person can have a gun in the glove box. But while the person is in Maryland, they are subject to the laws of Maryland. Even if in Pennsylvania and Virginia, where it is lawful, they could be arrested and jailed in Maryland for that same activity. People have to abide by the laws of the state they are in. To be safe, certain guns that cannot be transported or are considered unsafe to transport, a person can apply for a Federal Firearms License so they can transport the firearm themselves or find a FFL Transporter who can transport it for them for a fee across state lines.
Transporting Firearms Via Public Transit
Public transportation in Prince George’s County would not be an appropriate way to transport a firearm. A taxi or other private means of transportation would be more appropriate so long as the person can abide by the terms of keeping it on the trunk. Most drivers would not appreciate having a firearm in their vehicle without being told it is in their vehicle, but so long as it is being stored and transported in the confines of Point “A” to Point “B,” then it may be deemed acceptable. There still may be a problem because when a person is on public transportation, there are other members of the public present, and if they see the firearm, it could be problematic. That is why it is not permitted.
Penalties for Unlawful Transportation of a Firearm in Prince George’s County
Transporting firearms in Prince George’s County would not be the actual offense that someone would be penalized for; the offense would be, at the most remedial level, handgun and vehicle. It is not a criminal offense to transport a firearm. The criminal offense is having a firearm in the vehicle, and that is at the most remedial level. A person otherwise can lawfully own, possess, and use a firearm unless they are otherwise prohibited and then there are other charges that may result. If an individual has been charged with such an offense, they should consult a skilled gun lawyer that could advocate for them.