Handgun Violations

Under the provisions of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code, a handgun is defined as a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person. It does not include a shotgun, rifle, or antique firearm. The Criminal Law Article provides that a person may not wear, carry, or transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, on or about the person or wear, carry or knowingly transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, in a vehicle traveling on a public road or highway, in this state. It is further unlawful to wear, carry, or transport a handgun while on public school property in this state, or with the deliberate purpose of injuring or killing another person. There are a number of persons to whom these prohibitions do not apply, including, a law enforcement officer authorized to carry a handgun, a member of the armed forces or the National Guard on duty, or traveling to or from duty, a sheriff or full-time assistant or deputy sheriff of this state, or a person to whom a permit to wear, carry or transport a handgun has been issued.

A conviction of any of the foregoing offenses is a misdemeanor subjecting a person to imprisonment for not less than 30 days, no more than 3 years, or a fine between $250 to $2,500.00 or both. If the handgun was worn, carried, or transported on public school property, a sentence of not less than 90 days is required to be imposed.

Handgun violations are viewed as a serious matter by the courts in this state and you should obtain an experienced attorney to represent you. I have had many years of experience, both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, with handgun violations and can provide the effective representation you need to deal with these charges.