Why Are People Denied a Concealed Carry Permit in Maryland?
To give some context to this question, it is important to understand that in the United States, there are two types of systems for concealed carry: First, is a “Shall Issue” state. This means that the state shall issue a permit to carry concealed if certain parameters are met by the applicant. Those include but are not limited to, whether the applicant has no convictions in their past, no problems with alcohol or drugs, no domestic violence issues, and has taken the prescribed gun safety courses. If these conditions are met, then the state must issue the permit to carry concealed to the applicant.
“May Issue” States
The other type of state is a “May Issue” state. Maryland falls under this type of system. A
“May Issue” state means that the state retains the discretion on whether it will grant a permit to an applicant to carry concealed. Like a “Shall Issue” state, Maryland requires that an applicant has no convictions, no abuse of drugs or alcohol, no domestic violence history, and the applicant must take a 16-hour course on gun safety and education. In Maryland, even if an applicant has met all of the prerequisites, the applicant must demonstrate what is known as a “good and substantial” reason to carry concealed in Maryland.
“Good & Substantial” Reasons to Carry
Examples of a “good and substantial” reason include the following (an applicant only has to demonstrate 1 of the following):
- The applicant is an owner or an employee of a business – In order to support this as a “good and substantial” reason, the applicant must submit information regarding the business ownership or a letter from the business authorizing an employee to have a concealed carry permit. This also includes a requirement to submit at least 6 random deposits of the business to the bank;
- Correctional Officers – Must submit verification of employment and documentation of threats and/or assaults (police reports, facility incident reports, etc.);
- Active, former and retired Maryland Law Enforcement Officers – retired or former federal LEO who permanently reside in Maryland and who were assigned in Maryland during their employment;
- Private Detective/Security Guard/Special Police/Armored Car Guards – A letter from the employing agency which verifies employment and position, the ownership of the weapon, and location where the weapon will be stored when off duty is also required;
- Personal Protection – There must be documented evidence of recent threats, robberies, and/or assaults, supported by official police reports or notarized statements from witnesses.
Second Amendment
The Second Amendment is a bedrock freedom conferred upon the citizens of the United States in the Constitution. Unfortunately, this right is under constant assault by individuals who do not know or understand firearms law and the implications that come with it.
Gun law lawyer Edward Hershon understands the laws that are involved in the purchase, ownership, transfer, wear and carrying of firearms. Mr. Hershon has represented clients both before the Handgun Review Permit Board as well as the Office of Administrative Hearings for people who wish to obtain a wear and carry permit. Additionally, Mr. Hershon has worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to
have confiscated firearms returned to their owner.
If you have any questions regarding the ownership, possession, purchase or wearing and carrying of a
firearm, please call Hershon Legal, LLC and second amendment lawyer Edward Hershon will be able to help you.
Help Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit
If you have been denied your Wear & Carry Permit, or if the permit was granted with restrictions, Hershon Legal can file an appeal to the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. Contact gun right lawyer Edward Hershon for more information about how Hershon Legal can help you obtain your Wear & Carry Permit.
