Many people know that criminal convictions can lead to the loss of a variety of rights, including the ability to vote in elections and the ability to own a firearm. However, there are some things that don’t even involve a criminal conviction that could cause you to lose gun rights in Maryland. What are some of the factors that might affect your ability to be approved for the purchase of a firearm or a concealed carry permit?
What Factors on a Background Check Could Prevent You From Getting a Gun in Maryland?
Maryland law requires you to have a handgun qualification permit before being able to rent, purchase, or receive a handgun. There are a variety of exemptions that can cause you to lose gun rights in Maryland through the inability to get a handgun permit, including:
- Past conviction of a ‘crime of violence’, which includes abduction or kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, first-degree arson, first or second-degree assault, voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, robbery, home invasion, and other crimes
- Past conviction of a felony in the state of Maryland
- Past conviction for conspiracy to commit a felony
- Fugitive status
- Habitual drinking problems
- Conviction of a common law crime that led to a sentence of two or more years in prison
- Controlled dangerous substance use or abuse
- History of violent behavior or suffering from a mental disorder, unless you are able to obtain a certificate from your doctor verifying that you can possess a firearm
- Age under 21 years
- And more
It is important to know that some of these things will lead you to permanently lose gun rights in Maryland. However, some of them may be appealed so that your gun rights are restored. For example, Maryland allows select misdemeanors to be expunged from your record. Once the expungement process is complete, you will probably be able to own a firearm again. However, if you have been convicted of a felony, you will be unable to have your gun rights restored unless you receive a pardon.
What Are the Consequences of Unlawfully Possessing a Gun?
If you lose gun rights in Maryland, it can be tempting to still possess a firearm. However, this is a surefire way to experience severe penalties and permanently lose your ability to carry a gun. The penalties include:
- First offense: Up to $2,500 in fines and three years of jail time
- Second offense: Fines and up to 10 years of jail time
- Third offense: Between three and 10 years of jail time
If the reason that you cannot have a weapon is a past conviction of a crime of violence, you will be charged with a felony and subject to between five and 5 years of jail time.
Soteria Training Academy Helps Train Responsible Gun Owners
Soteria Training Academy helps ensure that you consistently build your skills and protect your right to carry through responsible behavior. Contact us today by visiting our website, or call us at (410) 216-3176 to learn more.