No Bail for Shooting and Ghost Gun Possession Suspects

 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Three young men are being held without bail in Baltimore County after firing gunshots in Parkville in late December. The police retrieved a gun without a serial number ("ghost" gun), which was loaded with an extended magazine carrying 19 rounds. Another recovered firearm was found to be stolen and had a Glock switch on it.

A Glock switch is used to change a semi-automatic weapon into one that is fully automatic. The two 19-year-olds were not granted bail at their initial hearing, while the 18-year-old involved in the incident remains in custody for an unrelated outstanding warrant.

Charges include possession of a firearm without a serial number, discharge of a weapon, possession of a stolen weapon, and other charges related to weapons. Firearms charges can be serious in Maryland, with severe penalties. If you are facing firearm charges, it is extremely important that you speak to a knowledgeable Silver Spring, MD criminal defense attorney.  

Why Are Ghost Guns Being Banned Across the United States?

A ghost gun has no serial number, making it untraceable. Ghost guns are often made by 3D printers or may be sold as a "kit" that requires assembly. This makes the finished gun difficult to track while also allowing users to avoid background checks. Ghost guns cost only between $100 and $200 to produce, yet they are sold for around $500 on the street.  

Baltimore County Police seized 192 ghost guns in 2024, which is a 57 percent increase from 2023. In 2022, Maryland passed a law requiring serial numbers on all ghost guns, and in February 2024, the city of Baltimore reached a $1.2 million settlement with Polymer80, a leading manufacturer of ghost guns.

Polymer80 is believed to be responsible for more than 90 percent of the ghost guns on the street in Baltimore; many of these guns are sold at a gun shop located in Hanover. Those in possession of ghost guns had from the time the law passed (June 1, 2022) until March 1, 2023, to comply. Any person who "inherited" a ghost gun had only 30 days from the time the law was passed to have the firearm marked with a permanent ID number provided by a Federal Firearm Licensee.

Once the ghost gun is marked with an ID, that number must be uploaded to the Maryland State Police licensing portal. This new Maryland law applies to unfinished frames and receivers as well as fully finished firearms. In other words, a person found to be in possession of ghost gun parts may be charged in the same way as a person with a finished ghost gun.  

What Are the Penalties for Possession of a Ghost Gun?

In addition to the penalties for other charges, such as discharging a weapon, up to two years in prison and fines as large as $10,000 are added to any other sentence. The Maryland State Police website provides more information regarding the prosecution of possession of ghost guns. Unlawful discharge of a firearm (so long as no person was hit or was specifically targeted) in the state is a misdemeanor offense that carries a penalty of a fine as large as $1,000.

Defenses to Possession of a Ghost Gun

While every case is unique, requiring highly individualized defense strategies, there are a few common defenses to possession of a ghost gun, including:

• The search and seizure may not have been legal.
• The admissibility of certain evidence can potentially be contested.
• The defendant had a lack of knowledge or intent.
• The defendant’s civil rights were violated.

Contact a Montgomery County, MD Weapons Charges Lawyer

Possession of a ghost gun can have serious, long-term consequences aside from jail and fines. It can be more difficult to obtain employment with a weapons conviction and more difficult to obtain federal loans for college or even rent an apartment. A knowledgeable Silver Spring, MD weapons charges attorney from The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. can ensure you receive an aggressive defense to your charges. We are available 24/7, prioritize client relationships, have good working relationships with prosecutors, and are fluent in Arabic and Spanish. Call 301-589-9500 to schedule your free consultation.