Getting approved for a Maryland wear and carry permit can be difficult. Maryland is one of the strictest states when it comes to purchasing a handgun and concealed carrying a handgun. You need approval every step of the way, requiring several applications, fingerprint scans, firearms training, and more.
If your Maryland wear and carry permit application was denied, you can request an appeal and get a review. Maryland firearms attorneys are available to help. However, it is recommended to complete your wear and carry permit application as efficiently as possible the first time around. This helps with approval odds and the appeal process.
Need assistance? Saller Law firearms attorneys in Baltimore are available to help with HQL applications, wear and carry applications and appeals, and consulting on your Second Amendment Rights under Maryland law. Call now.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit
Fingerprint Scanning
The number of questions related to fingerprint scanning for a Maryland concealed carry permit is almost limitless. There are specific guidelines you must follow for your fingerprint scanning and submission. Failure to comply with these guidelines could cause your wear and carry permit application to be denied. To avoid mistakes related to fingerprint scanning and submission, make sure you understand what is required of you.
- Submitting fingerprints through the LiveScan program
- Having in-date fingerprint scans (within 1 year of application)
- Not re-using fingerprints from an outside agency or other application
- Do not submit the same fingerprints license through LiveScan for wear and carry permits and an HQL at the same time (wait for wear and carry approval and then file for an HQL exemption)
- It is recommended to submit your application within 2 weeks of the LiveScan to avoid delays, technical issues, and other complications that have been reported with the program
Legal Age and Residency Status
This is a small mistake, but it is important to understand that you must be 21 years of age to apply for a wear and carry permit in Maryland. Neighboring states, like Pennsylvania, have a lowered age of 18 for a concealed carry permit. For out-of-state applicants, you must wait until you are 21, regardless of the legal age in your state of residence. You must have valid US residency.
Understanding Convictions, Charges, and Arrests
You will be asked about your arrests, charges, and convictions during the application process for a carry permit in Maryland. If you misrepresent a charge as an arrest or omit an expunged conviction, your wear and carry application could be denied.
Firearm applications in Maryland are rejected due to technicalities, perceived skewing of the truth, or disqualifying arrests. It is important to know your legal history, your rights, and how to answer the questions lawfully. An experienced firearms attorney in Maryland can help you understand your arrest history and how to complete the application honestly and accurately.
Jail Time & Felony Convictions
Were you convicted of a felony crime over a decade ago? Does this feel like it should no longer impact your wear and carry permit application? There is no time limit on felony convictions in Maryland for a wear and carry permit application.
Youthful convictions, even decades in the past, can disqualify you from a wear and carry approval in Maryland. This is why you want to work with an experienced firearms attorney who understands Maryland law and can fight for you. This also applies to misdemeanor convictions that carry over a year of jail time and criminal convictions with more than two years in jail.
Consult an attorney if you are worried about your wear and carry permit application due to your arrest and criminal history.
No History of Controlled Substances, Addictions, and Alcohol Abuse
You will be denied your carry permit in Maryland if you have a history of abusing controlled substances, suffering from an addiction, or being a drunkard, aka alcohol abuse. This can be determined via arrest history, reputation, and even medical marijuana cards.
Because marijuana is federally illegal, it is considered a controlled substance and can disqualify you from being approved for a wear and carry permit, even if you have a doctor recommended medical card or referral.
If your medical history is a concern when applying for a handgun carry permit in Maryland, consult an experienced attorney who is familiar with application cases and can assist you.
No Indicators of Mental Health Issues, Threats, or Violence
Yes, if you have a history of mental health problems, you may be rejected for a handgun carry permit in Maryland. Your background check by the local police will look into your mental health history, for reasons cited as to ensure public safety.
Mental health disqualifications are not specifically outlined, but may stem from any indication of wanting to harm others or the intent or risk of harming others. An attorney near you in Baltimore can assist. This also applies to any indication of threats, violence, or anger issues that may arise during the background check, related or unrelated to mental health treatments or diagnosis.
Documentation of Recent Firearms Training Completion
Within two years of your application, you must have completed a firearms training course that was state-approved. These training courses are intended to educate on firearm safety, practice firearm handling on a range, and evaluate firearm proficiency.
Be sure that your firearm training was completed within two years, was by a state-approved training program, and that you have all necessary documentation to submit along with your application. Failure to provide the necessary confirmations and proof could disqualify your application and lead to a rejection for a concealed carry permit.
Genuine Reason for Self-Protection
In Maryland, you must submit an argument why you should conceal carry a handgun. There is no outline or specific requirements that will grant you approval. The decision is up to a panel that uses its own judgment to determine qualifying reasons or convincing arguments.
In most circumstances, you need to convey a genuine need for self-defense or protection that the local police cannot handle. It is recommended to provide evidence related to a credible threat that warrants the need for a carry permit. You want to include details, facts and evidence, and a sound attitude regarding protecting your safety.
A Maryland Firearms Attorney Can Help
Andrew Saller, of Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy, is a criminal defense attorney who fights to uphold the rights of American citizens under the Second Amendment. You have the right to bear arms. In Maryland, this can be a complex and stressful process. Get assistance.
Andrew Saller not only works as a criminal law attorney, but he is also an active participant in advocating for gun rights in Maryland. You can find him co-hosting the Urban Defense podcast, serving as an executive member of Maryland Shall Issue, and consulting on cases related to firearms rights.
Increase your odds of approval when applying for a handgun carry permit in Maryland. Get a professional consult from experts who care about your rights.
