Prince George's County Gun Lawyer
Many gun cases in Prince George's County involve a vehicle stop, search, shared location, or dispute about who possessed the item. FrizWoods handles countywide firearm defense from its Upper Marlboro office. Max Frizalone previously served as a Prince George's County prosecutor and Maryland public defender, and the defense team reviews how the evidence was obtained and what it actually proves.
Call 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 or use our contact form for a free consultation. For the statewide picture, see our Maryland gun charge lawyer hub.
Luke Woods
Founding Partner | Former Supervising Public Defender
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
Founding Partner | Former Assistant State's Attorney
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.
Shane Nolan
Attorney | Former Anne Arundel County Prosecutor
Former Anne Arundel County prosecutor with serious felony and jury-trial experience.
- Handled felony cases in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
- Experience evaluating evidence and presenting serious charges to juries.
- Coast Guard veteran and former certified federal boarding officer.
Gun Charges We Defend in Prince George's County
Maryland handgun charges fall under two main statutes, and which one you face changes your exposure and your defense.
- Wear, carry, or transport a handgun (CR 4-203). The most common gun charge, usually out of a vehicle stop. It covers a handgun on the person and a handgun in a vehicle, loaded or unloaded. See wear, carry, transport and gun in my car.
- Illegal possession of a regulated firearm (Public Safety Article 5-133). This bars possession by prohibited persons, including anyone with a prior felony or crime of violence. See felon in possession and constructive possession in cars.
- Use of a firearm in a crime of violence (CR 4-204) and enhancements that involve drugs. See firearm use in a crime of violence and firearm and drug trafficking.
- Devices and other charges, including ghost guns and Glock switches.
Prince George's County Gun Penalties
| Offense | Statute | Level | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry or transport a handgun without a permit | CR 4-203 | Misdemeanor | 5 years, $2,500 fine (first offense) |
| Illegal possession (prior offense or underage) | PS 5-133 | Misdemeanor | 5 years |
| Possession after a felony or crime of violence | PS 5-133(c) | Felony | 15 years, with a 5-year mandatory minimum without parole |
| Use of a firearm in a crime of violence or felony | CR 4-204 | Misdemeanor (mandatory minimum) | 20 years, with a 5-year mandatory minimum |
A second degree assault conviction counts as a crime of violence for the Section 5-133(c) charge, even though the assault itself is a misdemeanor. A loaded-handgun charge carries enhanced penalties.
How We Defend Gun Cases in Prince George's County
Most of these cases turn on the stop and the search.
- The stop. If the officer lacked a lawful basis for the traffic stop, a judge can suppress the gun that came out of it.
- The search. Consent, plain view, and inventory searches each have rules the State has to meet. See our vehicle search guide.
- Possession. In a car with more than one person, the State has to tie the gun to you. Constructive possession is a real defense.
- Object and status evidence. The State must prove the statutory elements of the charged offense, including any eligibility restriction it alleges.
Prince George's County Courts
Gun cases may proceed in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro, or in the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro depending on the charge and procedure. The charging papers and hearing notice control. If a loved one is being held, review the PG County bail process and contact counsel with the available custody record.
Preparing for a Firearm-Defense Consultation
Bring the charging papers, hearing notice, release conditions, and any permit, purchase, ownership, or transport records. Preserve complete videos, photos, messages, and the names of witnesses or vehicle occupants. Write down the sequence of the stop, detention, search, and statements without contacting witnesses about what they should say.
For an Upper Marlboro-focused consultation and office information, see our Upper Marlboro gun and weapons lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an out-of-state permit let me carry in Prince George's County?
No. Maryland does not honor concealed carry permits from other states. Carrying without a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit can bring a charge under CR 4-203.
Is a wear, carry, or transport charge a violent crime?
No. CR 4-203 offenses are misdemeanors and are not violent crimes under the Maryland code, but a first offense still carries up to 5 years.
What if the gun was found in a car I was riding in?
The State has to prove you possessed it. When several people share a car, constructive possession is often the center of the case.
Communities We Serve
We defend gun cases across Prince George's County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, Laurel, Greenbelt, College Park, Largo, and Clinton. See our Upper Marlboro gun lawyer page.
Talk to a Prince George's County Gun Lawyer
Call (301) 720-1917 or contact us for a free consultation. The appointment-based office is at 14513 Main Street, Suite B, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, and phone or video consultations are available.