Handgun Offenses

Aggressive Lawyer for Handgun Offenses in Baltimore

Handgun offenses can affect people from all walks of life, from store owners who carry a concealed handgun in self defense, to people who carry weapons in the commission of the crime. The consequences of carrying or transporting a handgun without a license can be high no matter who you are or why you were carrying it.

At the Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter, Attorney at Law, I have more than 25 years of experience defending people accused of weapons offenses in Maryland. I offer a free initial consultation by telephone or at any of my four convenient office locations in Baltimore, Annapolis, Ocean City or Bel Air.

Consequences of Carrying a Handgun

In Maryland, it is legal to have a handgun in your home. If you take the gun outside of your home, however, it must be registered and you need a permit to carry it. You can be charged with a handgun offense even if you carry a gun in the trunk of your car.

If you are a first-time offender and were not using the gun for a criminal purpose, I can seek to resolve the charges with probation. In some cases, Maryland offers probation before judgment, which would enable you to avoid a criminal record if you complete probation successfully.

If you are accused of carrying a gun in the commission of a crime, the consequences are much higher. In Maryland, the minimum penalty for having a handgun in your possession while committing a crime is five years without parole.

Defenses in Handgun Cases

The following defenses are available in handgun cases:

• If the gun was not operable, you can't be charged with a crime for carrying it.
• If the police did not accurately describe the weapon, the charges may be dismissed.
• If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights in the search and seizure, the charges can be dismissed.

Free Consultation With an Experienced Handgun Defense Attorney

If you face firearm charges in Maryland, contact me, criminal defense attorney Charles L. Waechter, for help.