23 Jan Having a license may not prevent a weapons charge

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Weapons Crimes on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

Many people purchase handguns for personal security. In Maryland, potential gun owners have a number of steps to go through before they can legally possess a firearm. One of the steps most citizens must take is satisfactorily completing a Firearms Safety Training Course. The course must be taught by a Qualified Handgun Instructor.

The course must be at least four hours in duration and contain the following elements:

• An overview of the proper techniques used to safely handle and maintain a handgun.
• A hands-on demonstration by the applicant showing that he or she understands how to safely handle and operate a handgun.
• An overview of state firearm laws.
• An overview of home firearms safety, including methods of securing a gun.

Passing this course is just one of the requirements of getting a handgun license. You can read more about the requirements on the Handgun Qualification License page on the Maryland State Police website.

Having a license for your firearm can help keep you clear of trouble if you are ever stopped by the authorities. However, a gun license does not guarantee you will not be charged with a weapons crime in certain circumstances. For example, if you are arrested on suspicion of committing an assault or other violent crime, the charges could be far more severe if you are in possession of your gun when the alleged transgression takes place. It is possible that just having a weapon in such a situation could be interpreted by law enforcement as being incriminating.

If you are arrested, remember you do have rights. The police must adhere to all applicable procedures at the time of the arrest. This may include possessing a warrant or having due cause before performing a search. While being in custody may be intimidating, it is a good idea to refrain from speaking about your case until you can discuss the matter with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

You have the right to have an attorney present before questioning. Exercising this right may help you achieve your best possible outcome, given the situation.