Maryland Gun Possession Lawyer

In the State of Maryland, a firearm is a weapon that expels a projectile or an explosive which is generally a bullet. This can include things that have a frame or receiver, like a starter gun or starter pistol. Research shows that out of the total population of six million, there were 14,298 active carry permits as of April 2014. The licensing division for Maryland State Police may have more information on ownership and registration.

There are certain weapons regulations that have to be followed throughout the process of legal possession of a firearm in Maryland. The law states that an individual is prohibited from the sale or transfer of anything labeled an assault weapon after October 1st of 2013. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly sell or transfer a handgun to a person who is under the age of 21, who has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, such as a felony, or if someone is a fugitive, or if the weapon was stolen.

If you are facing charges for possession of a firearm in Maryland, a gun lawyer can help you create the defense for your case. A Maryland gun possession attorney will have the knowledge to assess how local laws can affect your case.

Steps to Lawfully Possessing a Firearm

A regulated firearm is generally a handgun or about two dozen other types of assault weapons. Maryland distinguishes assault pistols from handguns. An individual has to be able to distinguish a handgun and an assault pistol from a rifle, short-barreled rifle, a shotgun and other weapons.

The process of legal possession of a firearm in Maryland requires an individual to know exactly what it is they are looking to purchase. For instance, since Maryland does not regulate the sales of rifles or shotguns, there is no permit required to purchase either.

Unless the weapon falls into the category of an assault weapon, those are okay to purchase. However, a regulated firearm is slightly different in terms of legal possession. Maryland regulates the sale, rent, transfer, or possession of regulated firearms, which includes a handgun and something that would be labeled an assault weapon.

Handgun Qualification

An individual has to go through the handgun qualification and licensing in order to legally possess a firearm in Maryland. This is part of an FSA qualification in order to purchase the handgun and be issued a license if that person is at least 21 years of age, is a resident of Maryland, and has completed a firearms training course. Those who are formal law enforcement or who fit the exemption requirements are not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

The qualification for the licensing is issued within 30 days of application and once issued, it is out for 10 years unless it is revoked. The cost is roughly up to $20 when submitting an application for legal possession of a firearm.

Maryland Documentation

The most important thing regarding the process of legal possession of a firearm is that those who want to own a firearm must properly purchase it. It is best to purchase it from an individual that is a store owner or contact the Maryland State Police and get solid information on how to purchase a firearm. People can also contact an attorney for more information.

Gun shows are certainly popular and they often occur on fairgrounds. The gun still needs to be purchased lawfully and the person must also be licensed to carry. The carry laws in Maryland are exceptionally specific as to where an individual may or may not go with the firearm.

People should not purchase firearms ahead of time without the license. Following the process of legal possession of a firearm in Maryland means the individual must apply for a permit to carry and then when they are accepted, that is usually the best time to purchase a regulated firearm.

Carrying Documentation

An individual should always carry documentation after going through the Maryland gun possession process. Some people take a picture of it on their cell phones in case they leave it at home. Cell phones are incredibly useful in regards to their ability to store a lot of information. People can even save a documentation photo to the screen if they want. In addition to the documentation, people should carry their licenses with them.

Other forms of identification are also incredibly important in Maryland gun possession cases. If an individual really wants to be careful,  they can carry the purchase receipts to show that the firearm is a lawful purchase. This is useful in case the person is detained and the police need to check the legality of the firearm. Without documentation, police will have to call the Maryland State Police and check on it. Having documentation right there is like a shortcut. Documentation is useful if the owner is a minor who has only limited reasons for carrying or traveling or transporting a weapon in the State of Maryland.