Prince George's County Gun Lawyer
Most gun arrests in Prince George's County start with a traffic stop, a consent search, or an allegation that a firearm in a car belonged to you. FrizWoods defends these charges from our Upper Marlboro office, steps from the courthouse, and criminal defense is the only thing we do. Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County prosecutor, so we know how the State builds a gun case here.
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
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.
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.
- Operability and status. The State has to prove the firearm works and, for a 5-133 charge, that your prior disqualified you.
Prince George's County Courts
Gun cases are heard in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County in Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro, and felonies move to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County in Upper Marlboro, where you may have the right to a jury trial. If a loved one is being held, we can appear at a bail review hearing, often within 24 hours.
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
The State has the gun, the report, and the prosecutor. You should have someone who tries these cases. Call (877) 343-1031 or contact us for a free consultation.