Defending Against Serious Firearms and Weapons Charges
Weapons Offenses defense in Annapolis for clients facing charges under Maryland's strict gun and weapons laws
Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law represents individuals charged with weapons offenses in Annapolis and across Anne Arundel County. You may be accused of carrying a handgun without a permit, possessing a prohibited weapon, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime. Maryland enforces some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and violations can result in felony charges, mandatory minimum sentences, and the permanent loss of your right to possess firearms. A routine traffic stop, a search incident to arrest, or a controlled entry by law enforcement can lead to weapons charges that carry consequences far beyond fines and probation.
Weapons charges in Maryland often involve questions about the legality of the search and seizure. If officers found the firearm during an unlawful search of your vehicle, home, or person, the evidence may be subject to suppression. This firm reviews the circumstances of the stop or entry, the basis for the search, and the handling of the evidence to determine whether your constitutional rights were violated. In cases where the weapon was legally owned but unlawfully carried, or where the prosecution cannot prove knowing possession, those facts become central to the defense.
If you are facing weapons charges in Anne Arundel County or surrounding Maryland counties, contact this office to discuss the allegations and the legal issues involved.
Challenging the Evidence and Reducing Exposure
Your defense begins with a close examination of how the weapon was discovered and whether the state can prove you knowingly possessed it. You need to know whether the firearm was in plain view, whether you had access to it, and whether any statements you made were properly obtained. In cases involving constructive possession, such as a gun found in a shared vehicle or residence, the prosecution must prove that you had knowledge and control over the weapon, and that burden creates opportunities for defense.
After the case is resolved, what you will notice is whether you avoided a felony conviction, whether your gun rights were preserved, and whether you stayed out of prison. Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law works to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the state's proof, and negotiate reductions to lesser charges when dismissal is not achievable. A conviction for certain weapons offenses can result in years of incarceration, mandatory minimum sentences, and federal consequences if you are a prohibited person under federal law.
Maryland law prohibits certain weapons outright, including short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and weapons designed to be concealed. Even if you legally own a firearm, carrying it without a permit or transporting it improperly can result in criminal charges. The defense must address not only the possession charge but also any enhancements related to prior convictions, the location of the offense, or the use of the weapon during another crime.
Clients facing weapons charges often need immediate guidance about the legal process and the potential penalties before making any decisions.
Common Questions About Weapons Offenses in Maryland
Carrying a handgun without a permit is typically a misdemeanor, but prior convictions or other aggravating factors can elevate the charge to a felony with significant prison time.
What is the penalty for carrying a handgun without a permit in Maryland?
Yes, if the prosecution can prove you had knowledge of the weapon and the ability to exercise control over it, you can be charged with constructive possession even if you did not own the firearm.
Can I be charged with a weapons offense if the gun was not mine?
If the search violated your Fourth Amendment rights, the defense can file a motion to suppress the evidence, and if the motion is granted, the prosecution may be unable to proceed with the charge.
What happens if the police found the gun during an illegal search?
A conviction for certain weapons offenses can result in the permanent loss of your right to possess firearms under both Maryland and federal law, and that consequence applies even after you complete your sentence.
Does a weapons conviction in Annapolis affect my ability to own guns in the future?
Depending on the facts, prior record, and strength of the evidence, the prosecution may agree to reduce the charge to a lesser offense or to a disposition that avoids a felony conviction and preserves your rights.
Can a weapons charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
This office handles weapons cases throughout Anne Arundel County and provides aggressive criminal defense focused on protecting your rights and your future. Contact this office to discuss your case and the available options.