Concealed Carry in Calvert County, Maryland
Calvert County gun laws: What to know about concealed carry
Calvert County residents may choose to carry a firearm for their protection, and as long as they do so with the proper permits and don’t violate any state or local restrictions, that is their legal right. However, failure to comply with Maryland gun laws, including those related to concealed carry, can land an otherwise law-abiding citizen in serious legal trouble. One mistake, even an honest oversight, could result in charges and a criminal record. At Carey Law Office, we work with responsible gun owners throughout Southern Maryland to help them stay informed and legally protected. If you are facing charges for allegedly violating
Why choose Carey Law Office in Calvert County?
We have been representing gun owners and others facing criminal charges throughout Calvert County, Maryland, for more than 40 years. Our dedicated team offers strategic guidance and a client centered approach to every case. If you’re facing charges and don’t know where to turn, help is just a phone call away. Reach out to Carey Law Office today.
How we can help
- What is considered concealed carry in Maryland?
- Steps to legally carry a concealed handgun
- Maryland Wear and Carry permit requirements
- Concealed carry in vehicles
- Firearm possession on private property
- Consequences of violating concealed carry laws
- Tips for avoiding arrest while carrying
- How your lawyer protects you if you’re facing gun charges in Calvert County
What is considered concealed carry in Maryland?
Maryland refers to concealed carry as “Wear and Carry.” Anyone who is carrying a handgun on their person or in close reach (such as in a bag or glovebox) in public is engaged in concealed carry of a firearm. The law does not apply to rifles or shotguns.
Open carry, where the gun is not concealed, is also technically legal in Maryland with a valid permit.
In either case, there are restrictions, even for those with all proper permits. For instance, you can’t carry a weapon in schools, government buildings, or public demonstrations. It’s important to fully understand your rights and restrictions, because even an accidental violation can result in charges and long-term consequences related to a criminal record.
Steps to legally carry a concealed handgun
There are several steps that you must take before you can legally concealed carry in Maryland, including the following:
- You must apply for a Wear and Carry Permit through Maryland State Police (MSP)
- All applicants need to complete 16-hour training (plus 8-hour renewal every 3 years)
- You must submit your fingerprints and undergo a background check
After you’ve completed those steps, the MSP will determine whether to issue you a permit.
Maryland Wear and Carry permit requirements
THere are some factors that will influence your ability to obtain a concealed carry permit. First, there is an age restriction. You need to be at least 21 years old to qualify. MSP will also check to ensure you don’t have a disqualifying criminal record. Certain crimes, including felonies, crimes of violence, or certain misdemeanors like domestic violence may disqualify you. Some drug related charges may also prevent you from obtaining a permit. Speak to an attorney if you are concerned about whether your criminal record could create a problem when applying for a permit.
While Maryland previously required that applicants have a "good and substantial reason" for wanting a Wear and Carry permit, this is no longer the case following updates to the law.
Concealed carry in vehicles
In the United States, it is legal to transport a firearm for lawful purposes. However, in Maryland, those without a concealed carry permit must take extra steps to transport a gun legally. The weapon must be:
- Unloaded
- Kept separate from ammunition
- Both ammunition and the firearm must not be accessible from the passenger compartment (in the trunk, for example)
- If there is no separate compartment, it must me in a locked compartment other than the glove box or center console
Firearm possession on private property
If you are carrying your firearm on your own private property, you do not need a concealed carry permit. However, there are still laws related to how you use your firearm on your property. Even in a case of self-defense, you could find yourself facing charges or a civil lawsuit. In fact, insurance providers now offer self-defense coverage for this type of scenario.
Consequences of violating concealed carry laws
If you are charged for violating concealed carry laws, there can be serious consequences. A first offense may result in fines and even prison time. Repeat offenders can face more severe penalties and longer sentences. Also, while the law protects the right to own a firearm, you can lose that right in Maryland if you violate concealed carry and other firearm-related regulations.
Tips for avoiding arrest while carrying
Responsible gun owners can take steps to avoid facing charges. Some ways to avoid legal trouble include:
- Always carry your permit and ID so that you can prove you have a Wear and Carry permit.
- Check the restrictions for specific locations, including schools, federal buildings, and some locations like museums, where you are not permitted to carry a firearm, even with a permit.
- Do not carry a firearm when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How your lawyer protects you if you’re facing gun charges in Calvert County
If you do end up getting arrested for a violation of Maryland’s gun laws, you need to take smart actions quickly to protect yourself. Remember your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain yourself or give excuses. You have the right to an attorney, and you need to exercise that right immediately. With your criminal defense lawyer by your side to protect your rights, you can answer the questions more intelligently to avoid self-incrimination or saying something that could negatively impact your defense. Remember that your words could be twisted and used against you.
From the very start, your attorney should be giving you guidance and looking for ways to protect you. For instance, your lawyer can look for evidence that supports your case, either by proving that there was a misunderstanding, or by pointing to violations by law enforcement. If police carried out an illegal search and seizure, lacked probable cause, or otherwise did not properly collect evidence, you might be able to get the charges dismissed.
Depending on the facts related to your arrest and the charges, your lawyer may push for dismissal, seek reduced charges, or argue in favor of a diversion program that could result in less serious penalties.