Legal Self Defense Weapons in Baltimore Maryland

With crime going up dramatically in Baltimore it’s important that good law-abiding citizens like you have the ability to protect yourselves should the need arise. That’s why I’ve written this article on what self-defense weapons are legal in Baltimore City.

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Baltimore

The following self-defense weapons are legal in Baltimore:

Maryland Concealed Carry Permits

Thanks to the second amendment Maryland does allow firearms and does issue concealed carry permits. Unfortunately, they make it really tough for law-abiding citizens to get a concealed carry permit.

Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18 years of age or over) who meets the following criteria:

1. An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment. – P.S. 5-133 (d)(2)(v)
2. Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year has been imposed; or convicted of a criminal offense for which you could have been sentenced to more than 2 years incarceration.
3. Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
4. Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
5. Based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others;
6. Has a good and substantial reason​ to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.
7. As of October 1, 2013, has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application.

Number 6 is where they get you. The definition of ‘good and substantial reason’ is so subjective that they can use it to deny almost anyone. That’s why only 0.73% of the population has a concealed carry permit.

Related: Best Gun Safes for the Money

Maryland Self Defense Law

Maryland does not have a stand your ground law. Several bills have been proposed but never have made it into law. Currently, Maryland has a ‘duty to retreat’ which means if you are attacked you must make every effort to avoid a confrontation including running away.  In order to prove a killing was justified as self-defense there are three criteria set by Roach v State:

1. Reasonable believe that you are in imminent danger of death or serious injury
2. Absence of provocation or aggression (you can’t have started the fight)
3. The use of force was reasonable to stop the situation

However, the state does have a castle doctrine which means you may defend yourself or others in your own home and there is no duty to retreat.

Is it Legal to Carry a Knife in Baltimore?

The State of Maryland has an unlawful carry law; this  means you’re not allowed to conceal carry the following types of knives:

(source)

This law applies to the urban counties of the State which means Baltimore among others.  Baltimate City also has an ordinance banning switchblades and imposing a $500 fine or violaters.

Baltimore City Charter & Code

§ 59-22. Switch-blade knives.

(a) Possession or sale, etc., prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, carry, or possess any knife with an automatic spring or other device for opening and/or closing the blade, commonly known as a switch-blade knife.

(b) Penalties. Any person violating the provisions of this section, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, in the discretion of the court.