Right now is a terrible time to catch a Maryland ghost gun case. But, if you or a loved one does get charged under the Maryland ghost gun laws here are three things you should know.
Table of Contents
What is a Ghost Gun?
Simply put, a ghost gun is a gun that lacks any identifying number.
Commercial serial numbers are legally required for firearms for several reasons. One of the main reasons is so that when guns are used in the commission of a crime, the ownership of the gun can be determined quickly.
Seddiq Law has represented multiple clients with ghost gun charges in Maryland. They are usually young clients who purchase the guns in parts online line. Many times they are Polymer 80 kits that young people put together themselves.
Unfortunately through several articles like this, this, and this, the phrase “ghost gun” has stirred up fears among the citizens of Maryland. This has flowed down to the courts who have in several cases denied bond to young people accused of possessing a ghost gun.
What is the Maryland Ghost Gun Law?
There are two main ways to be charged with Maryland Ghost Gun cases. The following two sections of the Maryland public safety laws cover these offenses.
Purchasing, Selling, or Transferring a Ghost Gun PS 5-703(a)
In Maryland it is illegal for anyone to purchase, receive, sell, offer to sell, or transfer an unfinished frame or receiver unless it has a federally mandated serial number. This is a misdemeanor with significant potential penalties. In several states, the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor is one year. However, for this offense a client can get up to 5 years in prison, a fine up up to $10,000, or both.
Possession of a Firearm Without A Serial Number PS 5-703(b)
Maryland law prohibits the possession of firearms without serial numbers and there are very few exceptions to this law.
If you are found guilty of PS 5-703(b) you face up to two years and jail, a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Ghost Gun Cases and Bail Review Hearings.
We represent those charged with crimes around the state of Maryland have done so for years. We have noticed an increased lack of patience with judges when it comes to ghost guns. Especially if you are charged with assault, getting release can be extremely difficult.
Even if a ghost gun is not used in a crime of violence, the mere possession of the gun is sometimes enough for district judges to detain our clients.
If you have a loved one being detained on a ghost gun case, call us for a free consultation. We can never guarantee someone’s release but we can guarantee a thorough review of the bail situation in your case and look at all possible options, including a habeas bail review in circuit court.
Free Ghost Gun Consultations.
If you find us through this article, we are happy to offer you a free consultation on your ghost gun charge. Just click the image below and someone will contact you within one hour. Or, you can call 301.513.7832. We answer our phones 24/7.
Our experienced attorneys, Mirriam Z Seddiq and Justin Eisele, are here to fight for you.
