
Maryland Gun Charges Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights in Montgomery, Frederick, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s & Howard Counties
Are you facing firearms charges in Maryland? The penalties can be severe—from lengthy prison sentences to permanent loss of gun rights. Maryland maintains some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions. Attorney Dan Gross and the experienced legal team at Gross Law Firm, LLC understand Maryland’s complex firearms statutes and have successfully defended clients in Montgomery, Frederick, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Howard Counties.
For an overview of Maryland’s firearms laws, visit the Maryland Department of State Police Firearms Services website here.
Maryland Gun Charges We Defend
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm
- Carrying a Handgun Without a Permit
- Possession by Prohibited Persons (e.g., prior convictions, domestic violence respondents)
- Assault Weapons Violations
- Unlawful Transport of Firearms
- Illegal Gun Sales or Transfers
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Gun Charges with Enhanced Penalties (e.g., drug trafficking, violent offenses)
- Straw Purchases
- Possession of Unregistered Firearms
To learn more about these charges, explore the laws codified under Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-101 to § 4-209 and Public Safety Article § 5-101 to § 5-205 here.
Maryland Gun Charge Penalties You’re Facing
The severity of penalties for gun charges in Maryland varies depending on the offense. Common penalties include the following examples:
- Carrying a handgun without a permit – Misdemeanor; 3 years imprisonment and/or $2,500 fine
- Subsequent offense (carrying without permit) – Felony; 10 years minimum imprisonment
- Possession by a disqualified person – Misdemeanor; 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine
- Possession of an assault weapon – Misdemeanor; 3 years imprisonment and/or $5,000
- Use of firearm in drug trafficking – Felony; 5–20 years imprisonment mandatory (minimum sentence applies)
- Use of firearm in a violent crime – Felony; 5–20 years imprisonment (served consecutively to other sentences
How a Gun Conviction Impacts Your Life in Maryland
A gun-related conviction can lead to devastating consequences beyond legal penalties. These often include the following:
- Permanent Loss of Gun Rights
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922 prohibits firearm possession by individuals convicted of certain offenses.
- Employment Barriers
Many employers, especially those in sensitive industries, will disqualify candidates with criminal records, including gun-related charges.
- Housing Restrictions
Gun-related convictions may prevent you from securing housing in certain jurisdictions or with landlords conducting background checks.
- Professional License Impacts
Security clearances, law enforcement careers, and other regulated fields can be adversely affected.
- Immigration Consequences
Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of naturalization due to firearm convictions under federal immigration laws.
- Civil Rights Restrictions
Individuals convicted of firearms charges may lose certain civil liberties, including the right to vote (depending on state laws).
Local Maryland Gun Defense Strategies That Work
Attorney Dan Gross develops tailored strategies to counter gun charges in Maryland. Each strategy considers the county’s specific prosecution approaches.
- Montgomery County
Expertise with the county’s specialized firearms prosecution unit.
- Frederick County
Advanced knowledge of unique local firearms ordinances and legal nuances.
- Anne Arundel County
Proven record of challenging illegal search and seizure cases effectively.
- Prince George’s County
Familiarity with the county’s gun court procedures and diversion programs.
- Howard County
Success in navigating complex possession and transportation cases across county lines.
Effective Defense Tactics for Gun Charges
Attorney Dan Gross employs the following defenses to optimize case outcomes:
- Fourth Amendment Violations
Challenges to unlawful searches of vehicles, homes, or persons.
- Lack of Knowledge or Possession
Proving lack of knowledge regarding the weapon’s presence on your person or premises.
- Constitutional Challenges
Appropriate use of Second Amendment defenses when applicable.
- Permit or Registration Errors
Demonstrating administrative mistakes rather than criminal intent.
- Interstate Transport Protections
Application of relevant federal statutes, such as 18 U.S.C. § 926A.
- Restoration of Rights
Pursuit of expungements and rights restoration under Maryland law.
Act Now for an Aggressive Defense
If you’ve been charged with a gun offense in Maryland, the time to act is now. Early legal intervention ensures the best possible strategy for your case. Call us at (301) 388-5434 for a free confidential consultation and always remember that an arrest is not a conviction!