I’m a transplant from CA. Have owned handguns all my adult life after turning 21, and never had an issue in CA. Moved to MD and wanted to do the right thing and follow the law by getting my HQL (approved and received), and then proceed to fill out 77R for all the LEGALLY OBTAINED handguns I owned after getting my HQL.
A few days later a trooper emailed me and said the application was being denied, and that I cannot legally own those handguns. Turns out I had a minor misdemeanor (computer related, max sentence 1 year and $2000 fine; not hacking/gun/violence/theft/sex or anything very serious etc.) that I had plead no contest to 20 years ago to avoid a lengthy and costly trial, paid $100 fine and probation, and the case was dismissed a few months later - since then I haven’t even had a moving violation. In CA, the dismissal is basically considered an expungement and since it was a minor misdemeanor my right to own handguns were never an issue in CA. However, in MD the dismissal is not considered, and the same computer related charge carries a maximum sentence of 3 years and therefore I am a criminal who shouldn’t own guns in the eyes of the great state of Maryland.
I got notification on Friday that it was denied, and on Monday I started calling around local gun shops to see where I can drop my handguns off so they’re off my possession, and the place I usually go to is closed on Monday. Tuesday morning, around 6am, 2 heavily armed troopers knocked on my door and seeing that nobody answered the door, left. I got a call from that trooper and I told him I was going to drop all my guns off at a local gun shop that I liked, and in the afternoon I took care of it and gave up my prized possessions, including one mint condition H&K P7M8 still in its original case. I sent the receipt for all my guns that I had given up, and I’m told the case is closed. Wowza!
Also my HQL is revoked, so I mailed it back today. Having had it for less than 2 weeks....
Now that I’m unarmed except for a baseball bat for the first time in over 20 years, I’m left feeling somewhat naked, and wondering what the hell went wrong? The Feds, through many years of NICS checks when buying firearms and the very anal state that CA is, I have always been allowed to exercise my 2A right. In MD all of a sudden I’ve lost my 2A right? I am a law abiding, tax paying, contributing member of this society, and I can’t believe what just happened to me.
I’ve been in contact with an attorney to see what my options are, but I’m not optimistic about my chances of appealing the decision. The trooper who denied my 77R was very nice and walked me through all the options available, including asking the CA governor for a pardon, which I don’t think will happen (rarely given, 4-5 people get it a year, I looked). So my current options are:
1) Move to PA or another state where my dismissal is not an issue
2) Suck it up
3) Take legal action
I don’t mind taking legal action if there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll get my 2A right back.
I’m only posting this because I’m frustrated and want to vent. Your virtual emotional support is greatly appreciated.
A few days later a trooper emailed me and said the application was being denied, and that I cannot legally own those handguns. Turns out I had a minor misdemeanor (computer related, max sentence 1 year and $2000 fine; not hacking/gun/violence/theft/sex or anything very serious etc.) that I had plead no contest to 20 years ago to avoid a lengthy and costly trial, paid $100 fine and probation, and the case was dismissed a few months later - since then I haven’t even had a moving violation. In CA, the dismissal is basically considered an expungement and since it was a minor misdemeanor my right to own handguns were never an issue in CA. However, in MD the dismissal is not considered, and the same computer related charge carries a maximum sentence of 3 years and therefore I am a criminal who shouldn’t own guns in the eyes of the great state of Maryland.
I got notification on Friday that it was denied, and on Monday I started calling around local gun shops to see where I can drop my handguns off so they’re off my possession, and the place I usually go to is closed on Monday. Tuesday morning, around 6am, 2 heavily armed troopers knocked on my door and seeing that nobody answered the door, left. I got a call from that trooper and I told him I was going to drop all my guns off at a local gun shop that I liked, and in the afternoon I took care of it and gave up my prized possessions, including one mint condition H&K P7M8 still in its original case. I sent the receipt for all my guns that I had given up, and I’m told the case is closed. Wowza!
Also my HQL is revoked, so I mailed it back today. Having had it for less than 2 weeks....
Now that I’m unarmed except for a baseball bat for the first time in over 20 years, I’m left feeling somewhat naked, and wondering what the hell went wrong? The Feds, through many years of NICS checks when buying firearms and the very anal state that CA is, I have always been allowed to exercise my 2A right. In MD all of a sudden I’ve lost my 2A right? I am a law abiding, tax paying, contributing member of this society, and I can’t believe what just happened to me.
I’ve been in contact with an attorney to see what my options are, but I’m not optimistic about my chances of appealing the decision. The trooper who denied my 77R was very nice and walked me through all the options available, including asking the CA governor for a pardon, which I don’t think will happen (rarely given, 4-5 people get it a year, I looked). So my current options are:
1) Move to PA or another state where my dismissal is not an issue
2) Suck it up
3) Take legal action
I don’t mind taking legal action if there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll get my 2A right back.
I’m only posting this because I’m frustrated and want to vent. Your virtual emotional support is greatly appreciated.