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Owning, carrying, and using a gun requires strict adherence to state gun laws. The lack of understanding of these laws could lead to a felony charge. If you were arrested for a gun crime, you need a competent legal defense.

By working with an experienced Frederick County gun lawyer at Price Benowitz, you could protect your rights. Navigating gun crimes without legal assistance could result in serious penalties and affect your quality of life in the future.

Common Gun Charges

The most common gun crimes that lead to arrests and penalties in Maryland include:

• Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Owning a firearm without the required license or possessing a prohibited weapon
• Carrying a Firearm Without a Permit: Carrying a concealed or openly displayed firearm without a valid permit
• Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person: Owning or handling a gun when legally restricted due to prior convictions or other disqualifying factors
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: Firing a gun in prohibited areas (especially school zones) or in a reckless manner that endangers others
• Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence: Using a gun during the commission of violent crimes (e.g. robbery or assault)
• Straw Purchases and Illegal Transfers: Buying or transferring a firearm for someone prohibited from owning one

While many of these situations seem straightforward, a charge does not always end in a conviction. A skilled Frederick County gun attorney could conduct an independent investigation, collect evidence, and build a strong defense. With proper legal assistance, it may be possible to reduce or drop your gun charges.

Penalties for Gun Crimes

Depending on the circumstances, a gun crime in Maryland can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The harshness of the penalty depends on the severity of the crime and previous offenses.

For example, carrying a gun without a permit for the first time could result in a sentence of five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500. A second offense could result in  10 years in prison.

In Maryland, even if the person has a relevant permit, they should have a “good and substantial” reason for carrying a gun. Otherwise, they could also be facing penalties, including the revocation of the permit.

Potential Defenses to Firearm Charges

Regardless of the charge, an experienced gun lawyer in Frederick County could build a strong defense to protect your rights. Common defenses in gun crime cases are:

Lack of Knowledge

A defense attorney could argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence, such as in cases involving shared spaces or vehicles.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

A lawyer could challenge evidence if law enforcement officers violate the Fourth Amendment by conducting an illegal search or seizure.

Mistaken Identity or Ownership

An attorney could gather evidence to demonstrate that the firearm did not belong to you.

A robust defense strategy could protect your rights and minimize the penalty or even drop the charges altogether.

Enlist the Help of a Frederick County Gun Attorney Today

If you were arrested for a gun crime, you could be facing prison time. To build a strong defense, you need professional legal assistance from a well-practiced Frederick County gun lawyer.

At Price Benowitz, we have decades of experience navigating the complex gun laws in Maryland. Call us for a free case evaluation today.