Wear, Carry or Transport a Handgun in Maryland
In Maryland someone can own a handgun and have it in their home, but that’s about all (with limited exceptions). It is generally a crime to “wear, carry, or transport” a handgun outside of the home or in a vehicle. Some obvious exceptions to this is if the gun owner has a Maryland handgun carry permit or is a law enforcement officer. There are a number of other exceptions in the statute outlined below.
Penalty for Wear, Carry or Transport a Handgun
This crime is a misdemeanor and carries a minimum of thirty days and a maximum of three years incarceration. Even though it carries a minimum sentence of jail time that amount of time can be suspended by the Court. For second and subsequent offenses it carries a minimum of three years and a maximum of ten years.
Common Civilian Exceptions to the Rule
For someone who is not law enforcement/military and does not have a carry permit, here are the exceptions for transporting a handgun that exist in the Maryland statute:
1. To/from a legal purchase or sale.
2. To/from a gun repair shop.
3. To/from actual residences of the person.
4. To/from the person’s home and business, if the person substantially owns and operates the business.
5. To/from a target shoot or target practice.
6. To/from a firearms safety class.
7. To/from a gun exhibition by a gun collector.
**For exceptions 1-7, the handgun must be unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or holster.
8. On property owned or leased by the person, or where the person lives.
9. On a business establishment owned or leased by the person.
10. By an employee authorized by the business owner, on the confines of the business property, and within the course of employment.
If you or a loved one are facing a handgun crime and want further information contact the Law Offices of Christopher L. Peretti today at 301-875-3472. Consultations at our office are always complimentary. We can tell you whether there may be an exception to your handgun case and determine if there are any other potential defenses to the charges. As always, we will protect your interests and fight for the best result in your case.