Maryland Weapons Attorney

Committed Defense Attorney Serving Southern Maryland

There can be a wide range of weapons charges people can face as a result of carrying or having a firearm in their possession. It could be that you are carrying a dangerous weapon for your own safety and protection. When you are facing a weapons charge, it can be helpful to have a knowledgeable Charles County criminal defense lawyer. The Law Office of Robert R. Castro has provided successful legal representation for thousands of clients in our more than 20 years of service.

Items that can Be Considered a Dangerous Weapon

Classifications of Weapons Charges in Maryland

You can face weapons charges if you are concealing a dangerous weapon, have a loaded firearm in the area of unsupervised children. The law states that you are responsible for your legal firearms and weapons. It is also crime display a weapon in public or concealing a weapon on your person or in your car. Weapons crimes can sometimes conflict with constitutional rights under the second amendment. It is important to have representation from a Charles County weapons attorney who can fight for your rights.

What You Should Know About Weapons Charges in Maryland

How Weapon Offenses Are Treated in Maryland

Weapons offenses in Maryland range from misdemeanor violations to felony-level charges. The state prohibits the possession of certain items outright and enforces strict rules about how otherwise legal firearms can be carried or stored. For example, even a legally owned firearm can lead to charges if it’s accessible to an unsupervised minor, not adequately secured, or concealed in a vehicle without a valid permit.

In addition to criminal penalties, those charged may face restrictions on future firearm ownership, difficulty renewing permits, and mandatory safety courses. A charge may arise even if the weapon was never drawn or used. Simply having a prohibited item—or failing to comply with carry permit laws—can result in arrest. A weapons lawyer in Waldorf can determine whether your rights were violated during the stop, search, or arrest and help you respond strategically.

Types of Items That Can Lead to Charges

You don’t have to possess a firearm to be charged with a weapons offense. Maryland law includes a broad list of prohibited items, which means you could face charges even if the item weren’t used aggressively or brandished in public. Items that may trigger criminal charges include:

• Switchblades or automatic knives

• Brass knuckles

• Concealed razors or box cutters

• Bowie knives and similar blades

• Pepper spray or mace used outside its legal context

• Unregistered or improperly stored firearms
  

Some of these items are legally owned in your home, but are illegal to carry or transport. Others may be legal in neighboring states but restricted in Maryland, creating confusion for those traveling through the area. Understanding the context of the charge is key to developing a proper defense.

Understanding Possession and Intent in Weapons Cases

Possession laws can be more complicated than they appear. In some cases, you don’t need to hold the weapon to be charged physically—you just need access to it or control over the area where it was found. This means a weapon discovered in your vehicle, home, or shared space may still result in charges, depending on how the facts are interpreted.

Maryland prosecutors may also build cases based on inferred intent. If a weapon is found in a setting tied to another alleged crime, they may argue it was carried to intimidate or cause harm, even if it wasn’t used. Some cases involve assumptions that aren’t backed by clear evidence. A firearms possession lawyer will carefully evaluate what evidence is used to support these claims, how law enforcement collected it, and whether your actions were legally justified under Maryland law.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Weapons charges often intersect with constitutional questions, particularly around search and seizure and Second Amendment rights. If police conducted an unlawful search or didn’t have a valid reason to stop you, it could affect the admissibility of the evidence. A Charles County gun crime attorney will evaluate how the case was handled and whether key evidence can be challenged.

Your attorney can also help you avoid common missteps, like giving a statement that later undermines your defense or accepting a plea deal without knowing the long-term consequences. Even if the evidence is strong, legal support often differentiates between jail time and a reduced charge. With the right strategy, you can avoid a conviction or minimize its effect on your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged if the weapon wasn’t loaded?
Yes. Maryland law does not require a weapon to be loaded for it to be considered dangerous or unlawful.

What if the weapon wasn’t mine?
Possession doesn’t always mean ownership. You can still be charged if you had access or control over where the weapon was found.

Are weapons charges always felonies?
No. Some are misdemeanors, but can still carry severe penalties and affect your record.

Can I lose my right to own firearms after a conviction?
In some cases, yes. A conviction may result in a loss of gun rights, especially for felony charges or repeat offenses.

Do I need a lawyer if I have a permit?
Yes, especially if you’re charged despite having a permit. A lawyer can clarify whether the law was misapplied or your rights were overlooked.

Facing Weapons Charges? Contact Our Firm!

At The Law Office of Robert R. Castro, we are committed to fighting to protect the rights of our clients. Our attorney has established himself as a legal professional and businessman and is able to provide an honest and accurate assessment of your case. We have helped many clients with our aggressive legal representation.