Maryland Handgun License and Carry Permit Attorney
Saller Law Can Appeal Your HQL or Wear & Carry Permit Denial
In Maryland, citizens are subject to many licenses and permits in order to obtain, possess, and legally conceal carry a firearm. You must undergo training, verification, background checks, and more throughout the approval process. Oftentimes, Maryland citizens find they are denied their handgun qualification license (HQL) or their wear and carry permit without much clarification as to why.
What do you do if you are denied your handgun license or carry permit in Maryland?
Contact Saller Law for representation through the appeal process.
We are here to ensure you are legally allowed access to your Second Amendment rights to bear arms. We help with the appeal process, representing you throughout your application and helping to uphold your rights. Our firearm defense lawyers can appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings or the Handgun Review Permit Board on your behalf.
Get in touch today to discuss your options if you’ve been denied your HQL in Maryland or your wear-and-carry permit
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Why Saller Law is the Best Handgun Attorney for You
Andrew Saller is a top-rated criminal attorney and an active member of the firearm community in Maryland. Andrew Saller works with several organizations to spread awareness around firearm safety, firearm rights, and what is legally allowed under the law and protected under your rights.
Work with a handgun attorney in Baltimore who is actively working to help with firearms rights in Maryland. It’s not just a job – it’s a mission, and Andrew Saller is here to assist you and defend your rights under the Second Amendment.
- Lifetime Member of the NRA
- Co-Host of the Urban Defense Podcast
- Participating contributor to the Urban Defense Educational Organization
- Executive Member of Maryland Shall Issue
Handgun Qualifying License (HQL) Denial and Appeals in Maryland
A handgun qualifying license (HQL) is required by any Maryland resident who wishes to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. This is different than a wear and carry permit, which is the application to conceal carry a weapon in allowed public spaces. Please note, no open carry is allowed in Maryland, either with an HQL or a WCHP.
To obtain an HQL in Maryland, you must meet certain criteria and have undergone the proper training and verification checks. This includes but is not limited to:
- Submitting Livescan fingerprints within the last 12 months to run a background check
- Within 3 years prior to submitting an HQL application, having completed a minimum of 4 hours of a Firearms Safety Training Course instructed by a Qualified Handgun Instructor
- Demonstrate and/or provide documentation that the firearms safety training included State Firearm Law, Home Firearm Safety, Handgun Mechanisms and Operation, and Operation and Handling Demonstration
The review process can take up to 30 days and has an application fee of $50.
Why was I denied my HQL in Maryland?
You may be denied your handgun license in Maryland for several reasons, including but not limited to:
- Not submitting Livescan fingerprints within the prior 12 month time span
- Not having completed the appropriate firearms safety training
- Having a criminal history that disqualifies access to an HQL
- Convicted of a violent crime or felony
- Fugitive from justice
- Addicted to or user of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS)
- Being a medical cannabis patient and/or being a cannabis user
- History of habitual drunkenness
- Disqualifying mental disorder and/or being a threat to oneself
- Have been involuntarily committed to a facility or committed to a facility for more than 30 days
- Is a respondent to an active peace or protective order
How to Appeal an HQL Denial in Maryland?
If your handgun license application was denied, you will receive notice within 30 days and you will receive a denial email. The email will not provide clarifying information as to why the license was denied. In order to find out why an HQL was denied in Maryland, you will need to contact the Handgun Qualification Unit for more information.
You have a limited window to appeal a denied HQL denial in Maryland. It is advised to speak with a firearms attorney in Maryland within 3 days of your denial notification in order to appeal within the allotted timeframe and present the required documentation or arguments.
Andrew Saller at Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy can help represent your HQL denial appeal in Maryland to protect your Second Amendment rights.
Wear and Carry Permit Denial and Appeals in Maryland
A wear and carry permit (WCHP) in Maryland allows a citizen to legally wear, carry, or transport a handgun in Maryland. You must maintain this permit on your person. This is a separate application from a handgun license (HQL), although those with an approved wear and carry may be exempt from the standard HQL application process.
The following criteria must be met in order to be issued a wear and carry handgun permit in Maryland:
- 21 years of age or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the uniformed services
- Not a convicted felon
- No misdemeanor convictions that carried a sentence of imprisonment for over a year
- No conviction of a criminal offense that carried a 2 year imprisonment
- No convictions involving a controlled substance
- Not an addict, alcoholic, or regular user of a controlled substance unless instructed by a medical professional
- Is not found to be a threat to others or in any way violent
- Has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application.
- Submit Livescan fingerprints for a background check
- Upload a color, passport style photo for ID purposes
What To Do If Your Carry Application Was Denied
If you’ve been denied the wear and carry approval in Maryland and meet all of the above criteria, you have the option to appeal the decision. Applicants are advised to meet with a Second Amendment lawyer or firearms attorney in order to review their application, meet all deadlines, and formulate arguments in favor of an approval.
How to Appeal a Denied Carry Permit
To appeal a denied carry permit in Maryland, you have 10 days to request an informal review. Your initial application may take up to 90 days and, once you receive a denial, you will have an email containing instructions on what to do next. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin your appeal process.
Andrew Saller can assist those in Maryland who are appealing a denied wear and carry application. We can assist with documentation, representation, and upholding your Second Amendment right.
Contact Saller Law for HQL and Carry Permit Appeals in Maryland
Under the Second Amendment, citizens have a right to own and bear arms. In Maryland, this can be a difficult process to complete and receive approval for. We are here to help.
Saller Law is not just a team of criminal attorneys, but has the firearm knowledge needed to assist you. Work with professionals who help Maryland residents every day obtain their handgun licences, carry permits, and more.
Get in touch today to discuss your options if you’ve been denied your HQL in Maryland or your wear-and-carry permit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my Handgun Qualification License (HQL) denied in Maryland?
Your HQL may have been denied due to reasons such as: not submitting Livescan fingerprints within the past 12 months, not completing approved firearms safety training, having a disqualifying criminal record, being a cannabis user, history of addiction to controlled substances, having a disqualifying mental health history, or being under a protective order.
How can I appeal a denied HQL application in Maryland?
After receiving a denial email, contact the Handgun Qualification Unit for more information. You must act quickly—speak with a firearms attorney like Andrew Saller to initiate your appeal within the allowed timeframe.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Wear and Carry Permit (WCHP) in Maryland?
You must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, complete state-approved firearms training, and not have any disqualifying convictions or substance abuse issues.
How long do I have to appeal a denied Wear and Carry Permit in Maryland?
You have 10 days from the date of denial to request an informal review. Contact a Second Amendment attorney immediately to begin the appeal process.
Why should I hire Saller Law to appeal my handgun license or carry permit denial?
Andrew Saller is a top-rated criminal attorney and firearm rights advocate in Maryland. He has deep knowledge of Second Amendment law, is involved in firearm safety organizations, and can represent you before the Office of Administrative Hearings or the Handgun Review Permit Board.