Harford County Gun Lawyer
While the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution nominally gives all Americans the right to keep and bear arms, both federal and state laws place significant restrictions on that right for residents. If you are accused of violating laws pertaining to the purchase, possession, display, or modification of firearms, you may face not only stiff criminal penalties but also the loss of your Second Amendment rights altogether in the event of a conviction.
These criminal cases may have high stakes, but it is still possible to achieve a favorable outcome as a defendant, especially with help from an experienced defense attorney. By working with a Harford County gun lawyer from Price Benowitz, you can effectively enforce your rights and proactively contest the allegations against you.
When Does State Law Prohibit Firearm Possession?
In order to lawfully carry a handgun openly or concealed, you must apply for and be granted a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP), which requires you to be at least 21 years old and complete a 16-hour state-approved firearms training course first. Notably, Maryland is one of only a few states nationwide that does not have reciprocity with concealed carry permits issued by any other state, so you cannot legally carry a firearm in public here unless you have a WCHP specifically from the Maryland government.
It is also important to note that Maryland currently requires WHCP applicants to demonstrate a good and substantial reason why they need to publicly carry a handgun in order to obtain a permit. For now, however, anyone found carrying a handgun concealed or openly without a Maryland WHCP may be charged under Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-203 with a misdemeanor offense punishable up to five years of prison time plus a fine of between $250 and $2,500, and repeat offenders may face felony-level consequences. A Harford County gun attorney could explain the penalties in more detail.
Dealing With Other Common Gun-Related Charges
Legal counsel could also provide irreplaceable assistance with understanding and effectively contesting charges, such as:
- Possession of a ghost gun
- Possession of a firearm with illegible serial numbers or no serial number
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Negligent storage of a firearm
If necessary, a gun defense lawyer in Harford County could answer your questions about whether you are disqualified by federal or state law from lawfully possessing a firearm, as well as what options you may have for petitioning state authorities to remove the restriction from your record.
Speak With a Gun Attorney in Harford County About Legal Options
The alleged involvement of a firearm in a criminal offense can dramatically increase the severity of penalties a court may assess upon conviction for that crime, and violations of laws pertaining specifically to firearms are often prosecuted just as harshly. However, you should know that you have help available from knowledgeable defense counsel with handling your unique case as proactively as possible.
A Harford County gun lawyer from Price Benowitz could explain your legal options in detail and offer preliminary guidance about next steps during a free case evaluation. Call today to discuss your situation.