Assuming Woollard eventually prevails and you get your permit, I think you will find it much more difficult to carry than you first imagine.
For many years Virginia prohibited concealed carrying in any establishment that had a liquor license for on premises consumption. That meant basically that you couldn't carry in just about every restaurant except for fast food joints and IHOP. No carrying in places Chipotle, COSI or Fuddruckers.
It took VCDL thirteen years, but they finally got that repealed. However, I think you can expect the Maryland General Assembly to pass a similar law.
However, I suggest everyone find the employee handbook they were issued and read it again. Most large companies have a no weapons policy.
My company has operations in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. So I can easily find myself unexpectingly having to go into an area where just possession of a firearm is a felony.
Want to take your kids to soccer practice? Sorry, no carrying if the field is part of school property.
If you haven't done so yet, check to see if your bank has a no guns sign at the door.
Don't forget, you can't carry in a Post Office or anywhere on Post Office property.
When you finally get your permit, you'll find that the places you can carry are a lot more restricted than you think.
I think most malls will put up no guns signs as soon as shall issue becomes law of the land.
Now you may be thinking that you'll just secure your handgun in the car when you are at these places, but what if you aren't driving your car. Even if you are, what if you are parking on school property. You can't carry there.
Are you just planning on stepping out of your car and removing you firearm, securing it in some type of box in your car? Now you might be able to get away with that in some parts of Virginia. But in Maryland, if anyone sees you do this, I think you can expect to be arrested and have your permit revoked for brandishing.
Believe me when I say this. You do not want to be fumbling around with your handgun inside a vehicle. There is simply not enough room in any passenger automobile, pick-up or SUV to safely handle a firearm. A few years ago a father of four tried doing this in Virginia. He shot himself and ended up bleeding to death right in front of his four children and his wife.
Oh, by the way, every gun show in Virginia prohibits loaded firearms in the show. I'm sure you can expect the same in Maryland.
