Maryland Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence Through Data Tracking

 Posted on July 08, 2025 in Weapons Crimes

A detailed plan was shared by the Maryland Department of Health on June 26th that would reduce gun violence across the state by tracking firearm data. The data were gathered over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. The five-year homicide rate in the state between 2019 and 2023 was 9.2 per 100,000 people, making it the 10th highest rate in the U.S.

The three-part plan is a public health approach to prevent gun violence that involves supporting both perpetrators and survivors in mental and physical health, responding to acts of violence, and preventing those acts of violence.  A firearm dashboard was created by the State Department of Health, along with a detailed plan, as a means of tracking data on those injured or killed by gun violence in the state. The goal in collecting this data is to help teams identify and implement improvements to gun laws.

Baltimore County and Dorchester County had the highest rates of gun violence, while Howard County had one of the lowest rates. While nobody is in favor of gun crimes, those charged with a gun crime in the state may be innocent of the charges, or there may have been extenuating circumstances. If you are facing gun charges, speaking to an experienced Harford County, MD criminal defense attorney can be extremely beneficial.  

Permitting and License Requirements in Maryland

Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Because of this, being charged with a gun-related offense can bring serious legal consequences. Purchasing a handgun in the state requires obtaining a Handgun Qualification License. Completion of a state-approved firearms training course, fingerprinting, and passing a background check are necessary, and the resident must be at least 21 years old.

Carrying a handgun on one’s person or in a vehicle, openly or concealed, requires a wear and carry permit. The applicant must be at least 21 years old, have a clean background, and have completed a 16-hour state-approved firearms training course.  With limited exceptions, the following are prohibited in the state:

• Short-barreled rifles or shotguns
• Assault weapons
• Bulletproof body armor
• Machine guns
• Detachable magazines with the capacity for more than 10 rounds of ammunition
• Certain unserialized firearms, receivers, and frames

What Are the Most Common Gun Crimes and Penalties for Those Crimes in the State?

Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (Maryland Code, Public Safety § 5-133), unlawful wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun, using a firearm in a violent crime like robbery or assault, and illegal transport or trafficking of firearms are the most common gun crimes in Maryland. The charges could be misdemeanors or felonies. The penalty for unlawful wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun in Maryland is a five-year prison sentence with a 30-day mandatory minimum jail sentence.

If the individual has a prior conviction for unlawful use or possession of a firearm, the sentence could increase to 10 years, with a one-year mandatory minimum. Using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison with a maximum of 20 years with no parole eligibility for the first five years.  

Contact a Northern Baltimore County, MD Defense Lawyer

If you are facing any type of weapons charge, you must take the charges seriously. The stakes are high, and the consequences can follow you for life in the event of a conviction. Do not try to face the criminal justice system alone – a skilled Harford County, MD gun crimes attorney from Baltimore Legal Services can challenge the prosecutor’s case, and fight aggressively for your future. We have helped more than 10,000 clients achieve the most positive outcome possible, offer a custom flat fee, and are available 24/7. Call 858-523-8423 to schedule your free consultation.