Concealed Carry in Bowie, Maryland
Understanding concealed carry laws in Bowie, MD
Owning a gun can help many people feel safer. For responsible gun owners, having a firearm can offer personal security. However, there are regulations and laws that can limit your right to have and to carry a gun. If you’re caught carrying a concealed weapon in Maryland without the proper license, you can face serious criminal charges. Also, your ability to get a Wear and Carry permit can be affected by a criminal record, particularly if it involves violence, firearms, or controlled substances.
If you’re facing charges for a violation of Maryland’s concealed carry laws or want to understand your rights, Carey Law Office is here to help.
Why choose Carey Law Office?
At Carey Law Office, we’ve been standing up for the rights of Bowie residents for more than four decades. We opened our first office in 1981 and have been protecting the rights of locals ever since. Our team has experience representing individuals who are facing charges related to local and state gun laws. We’re not here to judge you. Our team is here to safeguard your rights and your future.
How we can help
- What is concealed carry in Maryland?
- Maryland’s Wear and Carry permit explained
- Common reasons permit applications are denied
- What happens if you're caught without a permit?
- How to handle a concealed carry arrest
- Can out-of-state permit holders carry in Maryland?
- Concealed carry and self-defense: What you need to know
- Where a permit will not allow you to carry
- Do you have a gun rights lawyer in Bowie?
- How Carey Law Office can help
What is concealed carry in Maryland?
Concealed carry permits, which are called “Wear and Carry” permits in Maryland, allow a gun owner to bring their weapon in public in a concealed manner. The law applies to handguns, not long guns. While it is legal to carry a concealed gun in the state, you must have a valid permit to do so. Without the proper license, you can face charges.
Maryland’s Wear and Carry permit explained
The Maryland State Police (MSP) are responsible for issuing a Wear and Carry permit. An applicant can only qualify if they meet certain age, background, and training requirements. While the state used to require a “good and substantial reason” for needing the permit, that requirement was dropped by Maryland after the court struck down the provision.
Who can legally carry a handgun in Bowie?
Those who wish to obtain a Wear and Carry permit must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete 16 hours of state-approved training
- Pass a background check and have no disqualifying convictions
There are situations where temporary permits may apply, such as for certain professions (e.g., armored car guards).
Common reasons permit applications are denied
The state might deny an application for a number of reasons, including if the applicant doesn’t qualify based on the above requirements.
Some disqualifying convictions include those for domestic violence and certain drug or alcohol-related offenses. There are also mental health-related disqualifications. Sometimes the denial can be as simple as an incomplete form.
What happens if you're caught without a permit?
Carrying a concealed firearm without a Wear and Carry permit is a misdemeanor in Maryland. You could face criminal charges, fines, and possible incarceration. You might lose the gun and have difficulty obtaining a permit in the future.
How to handle a concealed carry arrest
If you are arrested for anything, the first thing you need to remember is to remain silent. You don’t want to say anything that could be used against you. Next, contact an attorney immediately. Your criminal defense lawyer is there to protect your rights. You might be the victim of an illegal search and seizure, improper traffic stop, or mistaken identity. Our team can develop a strategy for protecting your future, and it’s important that we’re able to get to work as soon as possible.
Can out-of-state permit holders carry in Maryland?
Visitors might be surprised to learn that their concealed carry permit from their home state won’t offer them the same rights in Maryland. There is no reciprocity for concealed carry permits in Maryland. Even with a valid permit from another state, a visitor must apply for a Maryland permit to carry legally.
Concealed carry and self-defense: What you need to know
Even if you are legally carrying a gun, the law limits how and when you can use it. Maryland is not a “Stand Your Ground” state, which means you might need to retreat if you are able to before you use deadly force. An act of self-defense can lead to criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. Some gun owners even purchase self-defense insurance in an effort to minimize the financial consequences that this situation might lead to.
Where a permit will not allow you to carry
It’s important to note that having a Wear and Carry permit does not allow you to carry a gun in all places. There are restrictions, including:
- Public schools and school property
- Government buildings (federal and state)
- Airports and commercial airplanes
- State parks and public buildings
- Public demonstrations (unless you are authorized)
Even if you have a permit, bringing a firearm to any of these places could lead to criminal charges. It’s a good idea to check signage and MSP guidance before bringing a gun in public.
Do you have a gun rights lawyer in Bowie?
We can meet prospective clients at our Bowie office, which is located at 14300 Gallant Fox Ln, Suite 223. You can locate us right off of Route. 197 (Laurel Bowie Rd) in the office park behind the McDonald’s.
How Carey Law Office can help
If you are facing charges because you’re accused of violating Maryland’s gun laws, you need to speak to an attorney right away. Not only can criminal charges lead to prison time and fines, but they can follow you throughout your life. You might find yourself facing challenges related to work, housing, and relationships long after the immediate consequences end. You might have options to minimize or eliminate the long-term fallout of a criminal record.
At Carey Law Office, we’re here to protect your rights and your future. Our team is dedicated to standing up for those who are accused of a crime in Bowie, Maryland. If you are facing charges related to illegal possession of a weapon, carrying a firearm without a valid Wear and Carry permit, or other gun-related offenses, call us today.