Prince George’s County Gun Registry Lawyer
Although the Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms, individuals still are subject to significant restrictions on their right to possess, carry, transport, purchase, and sell firearms. Maryland has enacted strict laws on certain regulated firearms, including handguns, with severe consequences for those who violate them.
If you are facing a gun-related criminal charge, you may wish to contact a Prince George’s County gun registry lawyer for advice.
If you possess guns in the state, you must be aware of your rights and responsibilities for purchasing, selling, and carrying those guns in all circumstances. Running afoul of these laws could have harsh ramifications, including the right to carry a firearm in the future. As a result, getting the advice of a gun defense attorney in this situation may be wise.
Registration of Regulated Firearms in Prince George’s County
Maryland law regulates some firearms but not others. All handguns are subject to regulation, as are about two dozen assault weapons, which generally are illegal to possess, transport, sell, or purchase in the state. Rifles and shotguns, on the other hand, are not subject to regulation under Maryland law.
The Firearms Safety Act of 2013 requires that gun owners register their regulated firearms with the Licensing Division of the Maryland State Police. Similarly, when individuals move to Maryland from out of state, they must take steps to register all regulated firearms that they own within 90 days of establishing residence. Additionally, Prince George’s County also has a gun registry with outlines for registry.
Registration gun owners to submit various pieces of identifying information about these firearms, including their makes, models, and serial numbers. Gun owners also must pay a $15 fee, regardless of the number of firearms registered. Failure to abide by the registration requirements for firearms can result in criminal charges that may result in the intervention of a gun registry lawyer in Prince George’s County.
Handgun Qualification and Licensing
To legally possess a handgun in the state of Maryland, individuals must go through a qualification and licensing process. These individuals must be 21, residents of Maryland, and have completed a firearms training course to purchase and possess handguns. There are exemptions to this licensing process for law enforcement officials and specific other persons.
The licensing application requires a small fee and is good for ten years unless revoked for some reason. Individuals must get a license before they purchase or carry a handgun. Otherwise, they risk violating the law.
Unlawful Possession of Handguns
Under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-203, except for individuals who hold a valid handgun permit and selected other authorized persons, individuals may not generally wear, carry, or transport a handgun on their person or while in a vehicle traveling in public. Violation of this code section is a misdemeanor that can result in a jail sentence ranging from 30 days to three years and a fine ranging from $250 to $2,500.
Individuals also may not possess a handgun on public school property. This offense also is a misdemeanor with the same penalties, but the minimum jail sentence increases to 90 days. Subsequent convictions can result in additional increases in the minimum potential jail sentence.
This criminal offense is only one of many criminal offenses related to firearms in the state of Maryland. Individuals who violate these laws may face significant terms of incarceration and fines. A gun registry attorney in Prince George’s County may help build a solid defense to any gun-related criminal charges.
Consult a Prince George’s County Gun Registry Attorney Today
Due to the severity of these gun laws, you always should carry valid gun licenses or permits when you carry firearms in the state and be aware of all laws that apply to your situation.
Whether you are accused of carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit, illegally transporting a firearm, or carrying a handgun without a license, you could face harsh consequences under Maryland law. As a result, enlisting the help of a Prince George’s County gun registry lawyer may be necessary.
Working with legal counsel to devise the defense strategy that is best for you can be the most effective means of fighting back against your criminal charges. With the legal help that you need, you may put yourself in a better position to reach a favorable outcome in your case.