Maryland Gun Permits Spike in 2025

 Posted on April 28, 2025 in Criminal Defense

In 2020, fewer than 50,000 Maryland residents had handgun carry permits. Five years later, that number is 200,540, according to the Maryland State Police. While this number accounts for only about 3 percent of the entire state’s population, it has more than quadrupled since five years ago. It is also larger than the entire population of Annapolis, Frederick, and Columbia cities.

Like everything involving firearms in America, the consequences of the gun permit spike are complex. Those who advocate for loosening Maryland’s gun laws claim that gun owners in the state are law-abiding and that when these law-abiding citizens have guns, public safety increases. Those who oppose loosening gun regulations insist that more guns equal more gun violence and more gun crimes.

Currently, Baltimore County has the most active handgun permits, followed by Prince George’s County. Garrett County has the most handgun permits per 100 residents. Those who find themselves on the wrong side of Maryland’s gun laws should speak to an experienced Queen Anne’s County, MD criminal defense lawyer.

Gun Crime Statistics in Maryland

In 2022, there were 813 gun deaths in Maryland, an increase of 40 percent over the last decade. The state of Maryland had the 9th highest gun homicide rate in the nation, with young people between the ages of 15 and 34 accounting for 53 percent of all gun deaths during this year. More than 41 percent of all gun homicides in 2022 occurred in Baltimore City, even though it makes up only 9 percent of the overall population in the state.

What Are the Most Common Gun Crime Charges in Maryland?

The most common gun charges in Maryland include the following:

• Unlawfully transporting a firearm
• Providing a minor with a firearm
• Possession of an unregistered or stolen firearm
• The illegal purchase of a firearm
• Concealed carry in the state without a concealed carry permit
• Having a firearm in a school, on school property, or in other restricted areas
• Possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Committing a drug crime or a violent crime while in possession of a firearm
• Possession of an assault weapon

Depending on the charges and the circumstances, gun charges can be state or federal. In some cases, a state misdemeanor can be elevated to a federal felony, resulting in more severe penalties and consequences.  

What Are the Penalties for Gun Crimes?

The penalties for gun crimes in Maryland are generally considered harsh regarding the maximum and minimum sentences. Possession of a gun in a school zone has a minimum of 90 days in jail. Mandatory minimums for gun-related offenses in the state are at least 30 days and can be as high as three years.

For example, unlawfully wearing and carrying a handgun as a first offense has a three-year maximum jail sentence and a minimum of 30 days in jail. For a second offense, the penalties increase exponentially, with a maximum of ten years in prison and a minimum of one year. Other penalties include house arrest, probation, driving restrictions, community service, and the inability to own a firearm in the future.

Committing assault with a gun raises the charges to a first-degree felony with the potential of a separate gun charge. Sentencing for convictions of both crimes can be consecutive, and parole may not be an option for several years.

Contact an Anne Arundel County Defense Lawyer

If you are facing charges related to a gun crime, speaking to an Annapolis, MD gun crimes attorney from Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law can help make a difference in the outcome. Between our two attorneys, we have more than 50 years of combined legal experience to help those facing criminal charges. Call 410-280-0530 to schedule an initial meeting with one of our skilled, compassionate attorneys.