Gun Charge Lawyers 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.
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.
Experienced Gun Charge Lawyers in Maryland
Gun charge cases in Maryland can carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record that impacts future opportunities. Whether facing charges for illegal possession, unlawful discharge, or using a firearm during the commission of a crime, the stakes are high. Gun charge lawyers in Maryland specialize in navigating the complexities of state and federal firearm laws. They provide tailored legal strategies to defend your rights, analyzing the specifics of your case, such as the legality of the search, seizure of evidence, and potential constitutional violations. Their goal is to reduce charges, negotiate favorable plea deals, or secure an acquittal, depending on the circumstances.
Weapons Attorney
A weapons attorney specializes in the complex area of laws governing firearms, weapons possession, and related offenses. These legal professionals provide critical representation to clients facing charges such as illegal gun possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or using a firearm in the commission of a crime. Weapons attorneys are well-versed in state and federal firearm laws, including nuanced regulations that differ significantly across jurisdictions. Their expertise allows them to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and craft defense strategies aimed at mitigating penalties or securing dismissals. Whether dealing with charges as severe as felony possession of a weapon or administrative issues like license revocation, a weapons attorney can be an invaluable advocate.
In addition to criminal defense, weapons attorneys often assist clients with legal matters related to firearm ownership, such as obtaining proper permits, appealing firearm license denials, or restoring gun rights after a felony conviction. They may also represent individuals or businesses in compliance disputes with government agencies or advocate for clients in civil cases involving firearms. By navigating the intricate legal landscape and providing tailored counsel, weapons attorneys ensure their clients understand their rights and obligations, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes in legal proceedings.
Why You Need a Maryland Gun Charge Lawyer
Maryland enforces strict gun laws, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. A skilled lawyer not only understands the nuances of Maryland’s firearm statutes but also has a track record of handling similar cases. They can challenge weak evidence, identify procedural errors, and present strong defenses, such as self-defense or mistaken identity. With their expertise, a gun charge lawyer ensures that you have the best possible representation, helping to safeguard your freedom and minimize the impact of the charges on your life.
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 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. A gun rights attorney in Maryland specializes in advocating for individuals’ Second Amendment rights while ensuring compliance with the state’s strict firearm laws. These attorneys help clients facing issues such as wrongful denial of firearm permits, confiscation of weapons, or charges stemming from gun possession or use. They are well-versed in Maryland’s complex regulations, including background check requirements, concealed carry laws, and restrictions on certain firearms. A gun rights attorney works to protect the legal ownership and use of firearms, representing clients in court, administrative hearings, and advising on legal pathways to restore or defend gun rights.
Serving as Gun Charge Lawyers in these locations and more:
- Bethesda
- College Park
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- Montgomery County
- North Potomac
- Prince George’s County
- Rockville
- Upper Marlboro
Gun Crime Attorney
A gun crime attorney in Maryland specializes in defending individuals charged with firearm-related offenses, such as illegal possession, use, or trafficking of firearms. Maryland has strict gun laws, including regulations on firearm ownership, carrying, and concealed weapons permits. A skilled attorney in this field understands both state and federal gun laws, helping clients navigate complex legal proceedings. They work to protect their clients’ rights, negotiate plea deals, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence in court to minimize penalties or dismiss charges. Legal representation is crucial, as gun crime convictions can carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals charged with offenses involving firearms, such as illegal possession, use of a weapon during a crime, or violations of state and federal gun regulations. These attorneys are experienced in navigating the complexities of firearm laws, which vary significantly between jurisdictions. They work to protect clients’ rights, challenge evidence that may have been improperly obtained, and negotiate plea deals or alternative resolutions to avoid the most severe penalties. Given the serious consequences of gun-related convictions, which can include lengthy prison sentences and loss of firearm ownership rights, a skilled lawyer is essential to building a strong defense.
Gun crime lawyers also handle cases involving enhanced penalties for felons found in possession of firearms or those accused of using firearms during violent crimes. They may argue mitigating factors, question the validity of searches and seizures, or contest the applicability of specific laws to a case. By understanding both the nuances of criminal defense and firearm-specific statutes, these attorneys play a critical role in ensuring fair legal processes for their clients. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case, potentially reducing or eliminating charges altogether.
Read More Related Content :
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.
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.