Maryland Ghost Gun Charges
If you got caught with a ghost gun in Maryland, you need to know how the law treats unserialized firearms and what defenses apply. At FrizWoods, we defend Polymer80 and homemade firearm cases across the state as part of our Maryland criminal lawyer practice.
Luke Woods
Firearm defense across wear/carry/transport and felony-in-possession cases.
- Over 20 years of criminal defense experience, including extensive work in gun-related offenses.
- Successfully defended clients against gun possession by prohibited individuals, concealed carry violations, and firearm-related felonies.
- Extensive suppression practice on stop-and-frisk and probable cause.
Max Frizalone
Trial-first strategy for handgun and weapons offenses with dismissals and acquittals.
- Former prosecutor in Prince George's County, bringing insider knowledge to gun crime defense.
- Experienced in defending against charges of illegal firearm possession, transportation violations, and use of a firearm in a violent crime.
- Skilled in challenging search and seizure violations, improper gun evidence collection, and flawed ballistic reports.
What are Ghost Guns?
Ghost guns are firearms that lack commercial serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. Maryland's laws on these weapons changed recently, so the rules you assume may be out of date. Most ghost guns involve portions of completed firearms purchased online, commonly Polymer 80 kits assembled by private citizens.
Maryland's Legal Stance on Ghost Guns
Maryland law mandates that all firearms, including ghost guns, must be imprinted with a serial number by a federally licensed entity. The law, detailed in Section 5-703, outlines specific guidelines for the sale, transfer, and possession of ghost guns.
Updated for 2026: Ghost Gun Penalties Under PS Section 5-703
Maryland banned unserialized firearms in 2022 under Public Safety Article Section 5-703. What was a brand-new law then is settled law now: prosecutors across the state charge these cases routinely, and the "I didn't know it was illegal" window has closed. Here is the current exposure:
| Charge | Statute | Classification | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing, selling, or transferring an unserialized frame or receiver | PS Section 5-703(a) | Misdemeanor | 5 years, $10,000 fine, or both |
| Possessing a firearm without a serial number | PS Section 5-703(b) | Misdemeanor | 2 years, $10,000 fine, or both |
Each violation is treated as a separate crime, so a case involving multiple unserialized guns or transfers stacks quickly. And a ghost gun charge rarely travels alone: the same stop or search often produces charges under other firearm statutes, like wear, carry, or transport of a handgun or felon in possession of a firearm.
Purchasing, Selling, or Transfering a Ghost Gun PS 5-703(a)
Under Maryland law, it's illegal for anyone to purchase, receive, sell, offer to sell, or transfer an unfinished frame or receiver unless it has a federally mandated serial number. A violation of subsection (a) is classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense can be severe, including imprisonment for not more than 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Possession of a Firearm Without A Serial Number PS5-703(b)
Maryland law prohibits the possession of firearms without serial numbers, with limited exceptions (e.g., inheritance, self-manufacture without prefabricated parts). A violation of this law constitutes a misdemeanor. The penalties include imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.
Key Legal Provisions
- Sale or Transfer Restrictions: Selling or transferring an unfinished frame or receiver without a federally mandated serial number is illegal.
- Possession Guidelines: Possessing a firearm without a serial number, with certain exceptions, is prohibited.
- Penalties: Violations can lead to imprisonment and fines, with each violation treated as a separate crime.
Why You Need an Expert Attorney
Laws That Keep Changing
Maryland ghost gun law has shifted in the past few years, and the broader firearm rules keep moving too. Our attorneys at Frizwoods stay current on it and know how to defend these cases. If your charge involves more than an unserialized frame, see our coverage of Maryland's 2026 firearm law update and Glock switch charges.
Building a Strong Defense
A gun conviction can cost you your freedom and your firearm rights. We build a defense around the facts of your case and protect your rights at every step. Want to know how to beat a gun case? Read our blog for specific defenses in gun cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get caught with a ghost gun in Maryland?
You will typically be charged with a misdemeanor under Public Safety Article Section 5-703. Simple possession of a firearm without a serial number carries up to 2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. If the State alleges you bought, sold, or transferred the unserialized frame or receiver, the exposure jumps to 5 years and $10,000. Police also commonly add other firearm charges from the same incident, so the ghost gun count is often just one piece of the case.
Is a ghost gun charge a felony in Maryland?
No. Both the possession offense and the sale-or-transfer offense under Section 5-703 are misdemeanors. That does not make them minor: the sale-or-transfer charge carries up to 5 years, and a conviction affects your firearm rights. Charges that ride along with a ghost gun count, like felon in possession, can be more serious.
Can you still own a ghost gun you built before 2022?
Maryland's ban has narrow exceptions, including firearms received by inheritance and certain self-manufactured firearms made without prefabricated parts. Whether a gun you built before the 2022 law fits an exception depends on exactly how it was made and how you acquired the components. Do not assume you are covered. Have a lawyer review the specifics before the State does.
What is the penalty for a gun without a serial number?
In Maryland, possessing a firearm without a serial number is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, under PS Section 5-703(b). Each unserialized firearm can be charged as a separate violation.
Related Gun Charge Resources
- Maryland gun charges overview
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Glock switch charges
- How to beat a gun charge
Start Your Defense
At Frizwoods, we represent you and fight for you. If you're facing ghost gun charges in Maryland, contact us today for a consultation and let us start your defense. Read our client reviews to see how we've helped others in similar situations.