Baltimore Gun Lawyer | Expert Firearm Defense in Baltimore City & County

Gun charges in Baltimore are prosecuted aggressively, with mandatory minimum sentences for many firearm offenses. Whether you're facing illegal possession, carry violations, or use of a firearm in a crime of violence, you need an experienced Baltimore gun lawyer who understands Maryland's complex firearm laws and knows how to challenge gun evidence effectively.

At FrizWoods, our Baltimore gun attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of firearm cases throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. We understand the serious consequences of gun convictions and work aggressively to protect your Second Amendment rights while fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Luke Woods

Firearm defense across wear/carry/transport and felony-in-possession cases.

• Over 20 years of criminal defense experience, including extensive work in gun-related offenses.
• Successfully defended clients against gun possession by prohibited individuals, concealed carry violations, and firearm-related felonies.
• Extensive suppression practice on stop-and-frisk and probable cause.

Max Frizalone

Trial-first strategy for handgun and weapons offenses with dismissals and acquittals.

• Former prosecutor in Prince George's County, bringing insider knowledge to gun crime defense.
• Experienced in defending against charges of illegal firearm possession, transportation violations, and use of a firearm in a violent crime.
• Skilled in challenging search and seizure violations, improper gun evidence collection, and flawed ballistic reports.

Baltimore Gun Charges We Defend

Illegal Possession Charges

• Felon in possession: Mandatory 5-year minimum sentence for prohibited persons
• Handgun violations: Carrying without proper permits or licenses
• Assault weapon possession: Violations of Maryland's assault weapon ban
• High-capacity magazine: Possession of magazines over 10-round capacity

Carry and Transport Violations

• Wear, carry, transport: Most common gun charges under CR § 4-203
• Loaded handgun: Enhanced penalties for loaded firearms in vehicles
• Concealed carry: Violations of Maryland's strict concealed carry laws
• School zone violations: Enhanced penalties near schools and playgrounds

Firearm Use in Crimes

• Use in crime of violence: Mandatory sentences for firearm use during violent crimes
• Drug trafficking with firearm: Enhanced penalties for guns found with drugs
• Armed robbery: Serious felony charges with lengthy prison sentences
• Firearm during felony: Additional charges for gun possession during felonies

Federal Gun Charges

• Federal felon in possession: Often prosecuted in federal court with harsher sentences
• Interstate trafficking: Moving firearms across state lines illegally
• Straw purchases: Buying firearms for prohibited persons
• Gun show violations: Unlicensed dealing at gun shows or private sales

Baltimore's Aggressive Gun Enforcement

Operation Ceasefire

Baltimore's focused deterrence strategy targets gun violence through:

• Enhanced surveillance of known gun offenders and locations
• Coordinated prosecutions between city, county, state, and federal authorities
• Intelligence sharing between multiple law enforcement agencies
• Rapid response to gun crimes with immediate investigation and arrests

Federal Partnerships

Baltimore works closely with federal agencies:

• ATF task forces investigating gun trafficking and illegal sales
• Project Safe Neighborhoods targeting repeat gun offenders
• Federal prosecution for cases involving prohibited persons or trafficking
• Asset forfeiture targeting money and property connected to gun crimes

Our Baltimore Gun Defense Strategy

Constitutional Challenges

Many gun cases involve violations of constitutional rights:

• Second Amendment: Challenging overly broad restrictions on gun ownership
• Fourth Amendment: Suppressing evidence from illegal searches and seizures
• Fifth Amendment: Excluding statements obtained without proper Miranda warnings

Suppression Motions

We aggressively challenge illegally obtained evidence:

• Motion to suppress firearm evidence from unlawful searches
• Challenging search warrants based on insufficient probable cause
• Consent search issues: Whether consent was truly voluntary
• Plain view doctrine: Questioning whether firearms were actually visible

Technical Defenses

Gun cases often involve complex technical issues:

• Operability: Proving the firearm was actually functional
• Constructive possession: Challenging whether you knew about or controlled the gun
• Chain of custody: Ensuring proper handling and documentation of evidence
• Ballistics evidence: Challenging firearm identification and testing procedures

Baltimore Court Experience

District Court Locations

Baltimore City:

• Patapsco District Court: South Baltimore gun cases
• Eastside District Court: East Baltimore firearm charges
• Wabash District Court: North Baltimore gun prosecutions

Baltimore County:

• Essex District Court: Eastern county gun cases
• Catonsville District Court: Western county firearm charges
• Towson District Court: Central county gun prosecutions

Circuit Court Defense

Serious gun cases proceed to Circuit Court:

• Baltimore City Circuit Court: Complex gun trafficking and repeat offender cases
• Baltimore County Circuit Court: Major firearm cases and federal coordination

Our attorneys have extensive experience with both state and federal gun prosecutions.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Understanding the Stakes

Maryland gun laws include mandatory minimum sentences:

• Felon in possession: 5 years without parole for prohibited persons
• Second offense: 10 years minimum for repeat gun offenders
• Use in crime of violence: Additional mandatory time on top of underlying charges
• Drug trafficking enhancement: Extra years for guns found with drugs

Avoiding Mandatory Minimums

We work to avoid mandatory sentences through:

• Charge negotiations to reduce or eliminate gun charges
• Constitutional challenges to the underlying arrest or search
• Plea agreements that avoid mandatory minimum triggers
• Cooperation agreements when appropriate and beneficial

Protecting Gun Rights

Lawful Gun Owners

We defend law-abiding citizens facing charges for:

• Technical violations of complex carry and transport laws
• Permit issues involving expired or improperly obtained licenses
• Self-defense situations where gun use was legally justified
• Interstate travel complications with different state laws

Restoration of Rights

For those with prior convictions, we help with:

• Expungement of eligible gun charges to restore rights
• Pardons for serious convictions that prevent gun ownership
• Federal relief from firearms disabilities in appropriate cases
• Civil rights restoration through state and federal procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if police find a gun during a search?

Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Don't explain how you got the gun or whether you knew it was there. Contact FrizWoods as soon as possible for emergency representation.

Can gun charges be dismissed in Baltimore?

Yes, gun charges can be dismissed through successful suppression motions, constitutional violations, technical defenses, or negotiated resolutions. Early intervention is crucial for the best outcomes.

What's the difference between state and federal gun charges?

Federal charges typically involve prohibited persons, interstate trafficking, or federal property. Federal sentences are generally harsher with mandatory minimums and limited parole eligibility.

Will I lose my gun rights forever if convicted?

Not necessarily. Some convictions can be expunged or pardoned, potentially restoring gun rights. The specific charge and your criminal history determine eligibility for rights restoration.

Can I get a permit if I have a gun charge pending?

Probably not. Most gun permits require clean criminal records, and pending charges typically disqualify applicants. Resolving charges favorably is usually necessary before applying for permits.

Why Choose FrizWoods for Baltimore Gun Defense

• Constitutional Expertise: Proven track record of successful suppression motions
• Local Court Knowledge: Daily appearances in all Baltimore gun courts
• Former Prosecutor Insight: Understanding of prosecution strategies and weaknesses
• Technical Defense: Experience with complex firearm evidence and ballistics
• 24/7 Availability: Immediate response for gun arrests and search warrants

Contact Our Baltimore Gun Defense Team

Gun charges in Baltimore carry serious consequences including mandatory prison time. Don't face these charges alone. Contact FrizWoods today for experienced, aggressive firearm defense that protects your rights and freedom.

Call (301) 720-1917 or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a Baltimore gun lawyer who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.