09 Oct Man with loaded weapon stopped at Maryland airport

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Weapons Crimes on Wednesday, October 8, 2014.

On Sept. 29, a man with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was detained at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Transportation Security Administration said the gun was detected during an X-ray screening at the airport checkpoint. They also said the gun was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. The incident marked the seventh time that a firearm has been seized at the airport this year.

After the weapon was found, officers contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. They took the man into custody on a state weapons charge. According to the TSA, the penalty for carrying a weapon at an airport checkpoint is a fine of up to $11,000. This year, TSA agents have discovered more than 1,400 guns, and 1,813 weapons were found at U.S. airports in 2013.

In addition to federal laws, state and local governments may have their own rules in place regarding the transportation of firearms and ammunition. Those who are traveling internationally may face additional restrictions with regard to what they may bring in to a country. Passengers can check with their airline for a complete list of items that are not allowed in an airport or on a carry-on bag.

Anyone who is facing a weapons charge may wish to talk to a criminal defense attorney. An attorney may be able to assist their client with negotiating a plea bargain or have the incident seen as a misunderstanding. This may help a passenger avoid penalties such as a fine or possible jail time.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Loaded gun seized at BWI Marshall Airport“, Joe Burris, September 30, 2014