Especially in terms of gun-free zones, Maryland has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. These restrictions apply whether or not the defendant had a permit. In many cases, prosecutors file two cases in these situations: one for illegal weapons possession and one for having a gun in a gun-free zone. This controversial tactic pushes the limits of constitutional law.

Broad laws and aggressive prosecutors are a very bad combination for defendants. So, only the most experienced Southern Maryland criminal defense lawyer, like one from the Law Office of Robert R. Castro, should handle such matters. Your illegal weapons possession case, especially a gun-free zone case, should never be a training tool for an inexperienced lawyer. Only experienced lawyers can obtain positive results, such as a complete dismissal of charges, in these cases.

Schools and Child-Related Facilities

With limited exceptions, mostly law enforcement officers or people conducting approved demonstrations, no one can possess a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon on school grounds.

“School grounds” often extend beyond the school itself, to places like athletic facilities and school debate, choir, or other competition venues. Furthermore, not all schools look like schools. Many classes meet in nontraditional places, such as mini-malls. Finally, this prohibition usually applies when children aren’t present, even though a school in July is basically an empty building.

This prohibition extends to child care centers. Generally, the prohibition only extends to licensed daycare facilities. Most babysitters are not licensed, even if they are practically full-time caregivers.

Public and Government Places

Similar dynamics apply to state-owned public buildings, including courthouses and legislative buildings. Weapons are barred from administrative hearing locations, subject to narrow exceptions for police or security personnel. This part of the law is a bit unclear. For example, if a school administration annex is inside a mini-mall, all of, part of, or none of the mall may also be a prohibited place.

A related restriction bans firearms within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration after a warning. 1,000 feet is roughly the length of three football fields.

Parks, Forests, and Natural Areas

People can only carry weapons in designated places, such as hunting or target-shooting areas, when they visit state parks, state forests, and Chesapeake Forest lands.

Transportation and Rest Areas

Travelers may only possess weapons if they’re properly secured inside their vehicles. Additionally, both state and federal law prohibit firearm possession aboard aircraft. A Charles County criminal defense lawyer may be able to argue that the plane was not in operation at the time.

Designated Places

The law prohibits the carrying of weapons at most state correctional facility grounds, bars and restaurants licensed for on-site alcohol and/or marijuana consumption, and stadiums, museums, racetracks, and amusement venues.

Knife and Other Weapon Restrictions

Maryland law prohibits the possession of knives and deadly weapons on school property. Additional local restrictions often apply. Furthermore, certain knives (e.g., automatic or ballistic knives) have special sales restrictions.

Private Property Rights

Property owners may prohibit weapons on their private premises, and violating such a prohibition can result in trespassing charges even if the underlying carry would otherwise be lawful. These owners must clearly display “no guns” signs near the main entrances.

Rely on a Savvy Calvert County Lawyer

There’s a big difference between an arrest and a conviction. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Prince George’s County, Maryland, contact the Law Office of Robert R. Castro, 2670 Crain Highway #411, Waldorf, MD 20601. You can also call us at (301) 870-1200 or go online.

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert R. Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced lawyer at (301) 870-1200.