Montgomery County Gun Lawyer
If you have been charged with a violation of Maryland’s gun laws in or around Montgomery County, contact a knowledgeable firearm attorney, who can fight to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact a Montgomery County gun lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What are Regulated Firearms?
Maryland regulates firearms purchases by requiring individuals that intend to purchase and/or own them, to complete an application and affidavit prior to purchase or ownership. This requirement is necessary for purchases made through gun dealers, in private sales, or when the firearm is received as a gift.
A MoCo gun lawyer knows regulated firearms include:
- Handguns
- All forms of AK-47s
- Semiautomatic Berettas
- Sniper rifles
- Assault style shotguns
- Most other types of automatic and semiautomatic weapons
Following submission of the application for regulated firearms, the application is processed during which time, the processers verify the applicant’s information, including whether they suffer from specific mental health issues.
MoCo Carry Requirements
Carrying, wearing, and transporting a handgun openly or concealed in Maryland is prohibited without a permit. Obtaining a wear and carry permit requires adults to apply for one with the state and to do so, among other requirements, obligates the applicant to establish that they have a substantial reason to carry, wear, or transport the firearm, and satisfactorily complete a background check.
Carry permits that are issued outside of Maryland are not recognized as valid in the state. Thus, not obtaining a Maryland issued carry permit to transport a firearm while traveling through the state is a violation of Maryland’s firearms laws. Transporting, wearing, and carrying a firearm in Maryland without a permit is a misdemeanor offense when it is charged as a first-time offense. For more information on firearm laws, carriers should speak with a Montgomery County gun lawyer.
Possession After Felony Convictions
A conviction for any felony offense bars subsequent gun ownership unless the individual’s civil liberties have been restored. Once an individual is convicted of a felony, they can neither possess nor own a handgun or assault weapon, which includes rifles and shotguns. Doing so is a separate felony offense that has significant penalties, especially if the initial offense was a violent offense.
Possession of a firearm as a felon that is still on probation constitutes violation of probation for the initial offense and can lead to the individual being incarcerated for the remainder of the incarceration period associated with that offense.
In addition to those penalties, the individual is subject to the penalties that are associated with possession of a firearm. Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable with fines up to $10,000 and incarceration for up to five years if convicted.
Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
Establishing a strong defense in a gun case requires that an attorney be knowledgeable of the law, detail oriented during the investigation, and have a good working relationship with the individual.
Simply passing through MoCo with a firearm that is registered in a person’s home state, without awareness of Maryland’s laws, could significantly alter the person’s future quickly.
It is imperative in an attorney-client relationship that the accused choose a Montgomery County gun lawyer that they trust to guide them. Establishing a good relationship is even more important when the client does not live in the county where the charges were filed.
Talk to a Montgomery County Gun Attorney Today
Facing any type of gun charge is a scary experience, especially without a Montgomery County gun lawyer by your side to ensure your best interests are protected and that you receive the most robust defense possible. Be sure to speak with a gun attorney as soon as possible.