Weapon Crimes

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyers in Baltimore

Bringing Decades of Successful Results to Your Case

Gun laws and laws related to other dangerous weapons in the state of Maryland are covered under Maryland Criminal Code Title 4 and Maryland Public Safety Article. These laws cover all aspects of gun and weapon possession and activity in the state. If you are charged with a weapon crime, you may be facing a misdemeanor or felony depending on the specific nature of the offense. These crimes can lead to jail or prison time along with heavy fines upon a conviction with the end result of having a permanent criminal record.

In the face of a weapon crime, you should protect yourself, ensure you understand the charge and its potential consequences, and be informed as to what to expect in the criminal justice system. Your best recourse in such a situation is to turn to a reputable and respected Baltimore criminal defense lawyer, which is what you will find at T. Wray McCurdy, P.A.. Our founding attorney has earned an AV Preeminent® peer-reviewed rating from Martindale Hubbell®, which is the highest rating possible. Our team also worked as former prosecutors which gives our firm a first-hand understanding of the prosecutorial procedure which can be used to your advantage.

Charged with a weapon offense? Get respected and seasoned legal help from a Baltimore weapon crimes defense attorney at (410) 834-8466. Your initial consultation is complimentary.

Weapon Crimes in Maryland

Weapon crimes most frequently revolve around handguns because they are easily hidden and often used in the commission of other crimes. Under Title 4, you must have a valid permit in order to wear, carry, or transport a handgun in the state. If you are licensed to carry a gun in another state, that license is not valid in Maryland. You also cannot carry or transport a gun onto a school property or while traveling in a vehicle on a public roadway or for the purpose of shooting to kill or injure someone.

If you are found to be unlawfully carrying a gun in the state, you face misdemeanor charges. Penalties upon a conviction will depend on if you have previous convictions.

Penalties include:

  • Up to three years in jail and/or fines of $250 up to $2,500 for first offenders
  • A prison sentence of one year up to 10 years for second offenders
  • A prison sentence of a minimum of three years up to 10 years for third or subsequent offenses
  • If you have a previous conviction for a crime of violence, you are subject to a mandatory sentence of 5 years incarceration without the possibility of parole.

Using a gun while committing another violent crime can result in additional time of up to 20 years added to your prison sentence.

Carrying a deadly weapon onto school property can result in up to three years in prison and fines of up to $1,000. Carrying a gun at a public demonstration or in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration can also result in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Certain assault weapons are also banned in the state. This includes the possession, sale, transfer, or transportation of assault guns and assault long guns. Penalties for this offense can include up to three years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

The Value of Experienced Legal Representation

In the face of any of the above gun-related charges or any other weapon crime, your life can be seriously impacted not only by the criminal penalties involved but by a permanent criminal record. Such a record is accessible through a background check by future employers, landlords, professional licensing agencies, and more. Thus, you may find yourself at a disadvantage when seeking a job, housing, a professional license, or in other matters.

Learning more about where you stand from a legal point of view, what to expect, and how to properly proceed is invaluable information when facing the criminal justice system. At T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., you will have the benefit of our decades of experience and legal skills in investigative work, building and preparing your case, negotiating with prosecutors, or putting forth effective evidence and arguments on your behalf before a judge and jury.

Phone our office at (410) 834-8466 to speak with an attorney about your case.