St. Mary’s County Gun Charges Lawyer
Firearms charges in Maryland carry some of the most severe penalties in the state, and St. Mary’s County law enforcement takes gun cases seriously. If you are facing charges for illegal possession, carrying without a permit, or any other weapons offense, you need experienced legal representation from attorneys who understand Maryland’s complex firearms laws. At SoMD Criminal Defense, attorneys Jeremy Widder and Kathryn Batey provide strategic firearms defense throughout St. Mary’s County. Call (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation.
Firearms Charges in Maryland
St. Mary’s County has a strong firearm culture, and many residents are lawful gun owners who find themselves facing charges from misunderstandings of Maryland’s complex firearms laws. Common gun charges include:
Carrying a Handgun Without a Permit — Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit to carry a handgun on your person or in a vehicle. Carrying without a permit is a serious offense with mandatory minimums for repeat offenders.
Felon in Possession — Individuals convicted of certain felonies or disqualifying misdemeanors are prohibited from possessing firearms. A felon in possession faces up to 15 years with a five-year mandatory minimum.
Illegal Possession — Individuals subject to protective orders, with certain mental health adjudications, or convicted of specific drug offenses are barred from possessing firearms.
Ghost Guns — Maryland prohibits possession, sale, and manufacture of unserialized firearms.
Switch and Auto-Sear Charges — Devices that convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic fire are illegal under both state and federal law.
Stolen Firearms and Transporting Firearms — Possession of a stolen firearm and failure to comply with Maryland’s transport requirements carry additional penalties.
Understanding Maryland’s gun laws is essential, as lawful gun owners can face criminal charges from relatively minor misunderstandings of the state’s restrictions.
Penalties for Gun Charges in Maryland
Firearms penalties in Maryland are severe and often include mandatory minimum sentences. Carrying without a permit carries up to three years for a first offense and up to ten years with mandatory minimums for subsequent offenses. Felon in possession carries up to 15 years with a five-year mandatory minimum. Use of a firearm in a crime of violence adds a mandatory consecutive sentence of five to twenty years. A conviction results in permanent loss of gun rights, a felony record, and potential federal prosecution.
How We Defend Gun Cases
Challenging the Stop and Search — Many gun cases begin with a traffic stop or encounter. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the firearm may be suppressed as evidence.
Challenging Constructive Possession — When a firearm is not found on your person, the State must prove you knew it was present and had ability and intent to control it.
Proving Lawful Ownership and Transport — We present evidence of lawful ownership, permits, and compliance with transport requirements.
Challenging Identification Evidence — We scrutinize witness identifications, fingerprints, DNA, and circumstantial evidence linking you to the weapon.
Restoration of Gun Rights
If you have lost your right to possess firearms due to a prior conviction, Maryland law provides a process for restoring your Second Amendment rights. We help clients evaluate eligibility and pursue restoration through the appropriate legal channels.
St. Mary’s County Courts
Firearms cases in St. Mary’s County are heard in the District Court and Circuit Court in Leonardtown. Our attorneys regularly appear in Leonardtown courts and understand local procedures, judges, and prosecutors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for illegal gun possession in Maryland?
Carrying without a permit carries up to three years for a first offense. Felon in possession carries up to 15 years with a five-year mandatory minimum. Use of a firearm in a crime of violence adds five to twenty years consecutively.
Can gun charges be dismissed in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Common grounds include illegal search and seizure, insufficient evidence, failure to establish constructive possession, and constitutional violations during investigation.
Is it illegal to have a ghost gun in Maryland?
Yes, ghost guns are illegal in Maryland. Possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms carries criminal penalties.
What is the penalty for carrying a handgun without a permit?
Up to three years in prison and a $2,500 fine for a first offense. Subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties including mandatory minimum sentences.
Contact a St. Mary’s County Gun Charges Lawyer Today
If you are facing firearms charges in St. Mary’s County, contact SoMD Criminal Defense today at (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation. We defend clients in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, Mechanicsville, Charlotte Hall, and throughout St. Mary’s County.
