Dynamics of Legally Possessing a Firearm in Maryland

Many people carry weapons for safety. Some carry weapons for business purposes, especially if they carry a large amount of cash for work. For example, many pawnshop owners will be very interested in having handguns. Certainly, utilizing the firearm is not in anyone’s best interest unless the individual has no other choice whatsoever in a break-in or other situation.

Dynamics of legally possessing a firearm in Maryland can be stressful without clarification of local laws from a Maryland gun lawyer. If you are facing gun possession charges, a distinguished gun possession lawyer can help you create your defense.

Public Problems to Avoid

It is very important to understand the dynamics of legally possessing a firearm in Maryland such as knowing where owners can and cannot go or when they can or cannot take it out. Despite the person’s ability to own a gun, it does not legally mean they have the right to just carry it around. Maryland is not an open carry state. In regards to Maryland’s concealed and open carry law, they are not only required to pass a background check but they must demonstrate a good and substantial reason for carrying a weapon outside their home.

The “good and substantial” reason is a unique term meaning the person legally possessing a firearm must carry or transport a handgun as a reasonable precaution against danger. There are very few people that can walk around and say that they are in immediate danger every day because of their work or because of who they are. Those who apply for a wear and carry permit cannot be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor because the conviction carries a sentence of imprisonment for more than a year. An individual cannot legally possess a firearm in Maryland and be convicted of a criminal offense for which they could have been sentenced to more than two years’ incarceration.

Application Considerations for Possession

An individual who wants a gun permit could not be convicted of a crime involving possession, use, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. The person cannot presently be an alcoholic, addict, or a habitual user of controlled dangerous substances unless they have a prescription. An individual has to successfully complete a firearms training course within a two-year period of time prior to the submission of their application. The individual must do that prior to even putting in an application for it and go through 16 training hours for an original application, and 8 hours of instruction for a renewal.

Even if an individual is going to be renewing their application for possession in Maryland, it is technically not a renewal it is basically a re-application and they have to show they have gone through eight hours of training. There is a substantial amount of restrictions the State of Maryland puts on where an individual can go if they are allowed to carry it. After an investigation, the individual must not exhibit a propensity for violence, instability, or be considered a dangerous to others. Maryland separates and distinguishes between wearing a handgun on their person and carrying a handgun on their person or transporting it.

Maryland separates and distinguishes between wearing a handgun on their person and carrying a handgun on their person or transporting it. To better understand how the dynamics of legally possessing a firearm in Maryland apply to your possession case, contact a gun lawyer who can review the facts of your case.