Gun Defense Lawyers in Baltimore, MD

If you’re facing gun charges in Baltimore, you’ll need legal representation immediately.

Maryland’s gun laws are strict, and the penalties for violating them are serious. Even a small mistake, like carrying a firearm without the proper license or failing to follow state regulations, can lead to criminal charges that affect every part of your life.

You need an attorney who knows the law and can craft a defense strategy specifically for your case.

Greenberg Law Offices has spent years defending clients against gun crime charges in Baltimore and across Maryland. Our experience ranges from challenging unlawful possession charges to representing clients accused of carrying a loaded firearm in public or possessing an assault weapon.

When you work with us, you’ll get knowledgeable gun defense lawyers who will fight to protect your rights throughout your entire case.

Contact Greenberg Law Offices today for your free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Maryland Gun Laws Explained

It’s easy to run afoul of Maryland’s gun laws, even unintentionally.

To legally buy, rent, or receive a firearm, you need a handgun qualification license (HQL). Obtaining one requires passing a background check, completing a firearm safety course, and applying through the state.

Carrying or possessing a firearm without an HQL can land you in serious trouble.

Maryland also limits how you can carry guns. You need a handgun wear and carry permit, which is not easy to get. Certain firearms are strictly regulated. There are also rules about who can buy, sell, or transfer guns.

Knowing the law can help you avoid potential charges that could affect your permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced attorney from Greenberg Law Offices can help you minimize the potential consequences of a gun-related arrest.

Common Gun Charges in Baltimore

Gun charges vary depending on the specific facts of your case. Some of the most common gun-related charges include the following:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Holding a gun without the proper licenses or permits
Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public – Having a loaded gun on your person or in a vehicle without a permit
Possession of an Assault Weapon – Owning firearms that fall under Maryland’s assault weapon classification
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon – Felons are prohibited from having guns
Illegal Transfer of a Firearm – Selling or giving a gun to someone without following Maryland’s legal process

Even charges that seem minor can carry heavy penalties, so having a strong defense plan is key.

Penalties for Gun-Related Crimes in Maryland

Maryland has harsh sentences for violating gun laws.

Depending on the specific charge, penalties typically include substantial fines, probation, and the possibility of jail or prison time. Some offenses carry longer sentences than others.

Courts consider aggravating factors, such as the location of the incident and whether a violent crime was involved.

Even first-time offenses can result in jail or prison time, and subsequent offenses lead to harsher punishments.

Understanding the potential consequences of a gun charge helps you comprehend what’s at stake. An experienced attorney can explore ways to minimize penalties and present arguments that may influence the court’s decision.

Facing these charges with skilled legal support gives you the best chance to protect your rights and reduce or eliminate the penalties.

Federal vs. State Gun Charges

Facing gun charges also means being subject to federal firearm laws. The rules and punishments for federal crimes can be very different.

For example, possessing a gun as a convicted felon under federal law has an average sentence of 71 months in prison.

When it comes to federal vs. state gun laws, federal offenses often involve interstate activity, large-scale firearm sales, or connections to other crimes.

In contrast, state charges usually focus on local laws. Because state and federal laws overlap in some cases, having a defense attorney who understands both systems is a huge advantage.

Gun Charge Defense Strategies

Defending a gun charge depends on your unique case. A good defense attorney creates a tailored legal strategy based on the specific facts and evidence.

However, there are some common defenses, including the following:

Search and Seizure Violations

If the police searched your home or car illegally, any evidence they found may be thrown out.

Disputing Ownership or Possession

Sometimes, you might not have owned or carried the firearm, even if it was in your vicinity.

Disputing Felon Status

Your lawyer may challenge whether you’re truly prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions.

Lack of Intent

If you didn’t plan to use the gun illegally, that can be a crucial part of your defense. For example, you might be unlawfully carrying a firearm without realizing your permit isn’t up to date.

How a Gun Defense Lawyer Can Help Your Case

A good lawyer does more than show up in court; they guide you through the entire process. This includes the following:

Analyzing the Evidence

Your attorney will review evidence like police reports, witness statements, and forensic data to spot weaknesses in the state’s case.

Negotiating Plea Deals

Your lawyer may negotiate with prosecutors to try to get reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or probation.

Representing You in Court

Your gun defense attorney will present legal arguments and advocate for you at hearings and trial.

Protecting Your Rights

Law enforcement and prosecutors must adhere to their own strict rules (Maryland and federal), and your lawyer can make they’ve followed them.

Developing Tailored Defense Strategies

Your lawyer will explain your charges and look for the best possible defenses. They’ll also help you understand what to expect and whether it’s better to take a plea deal or go to trial.

Advising on Collateral Consequences

Your lawyer will help you understand how a conviction could affect your employment, housing, immigration status, professional licensing, and future gun ownership.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Greenberg Law Offices has been defending firearm charges in Baltimore since 1968.

We are familiar with the intricacies of Maryland gun laws, and we focus on providing each client with a strategic and personalized defense to protect their rights and future.

Clients praise our team for being thorough and persistent.

As an example:

“Larry is by far the best criminal defense attorney in MD. I was introduced to him 15 years ago when my luck and habits were at their lowest. Thankfully someone had the wherewithal to recommend me hiring him. So that’s what I did. It changed the trajectory of my sorry life then and today I have a life I never thought I could have. Absolutely INCREDIBLE what he did for my family and I. Anyone having doubts about him think not. YOU CAN NOT PUT A PRICE TAG ON FREEDOM! Thanks LARRY.”

If you’re facing gun charges, let us put our experience to work for you and fight for the results you deserve.