Firearm Possession Sentence Guidelines

Summary

In Maryland, firearm possession penalties range from 30 days to 5 years, depending on factors like prior record and type of firearm. An 18-month sentence is considered average. Typically, you must serve at least 50% of your sentence, so for 18 months, youd likely serve at least 9 months. Plea deals can expedite the process, and these can be discussed at motion hearings or in court before finalization. The final plea agreement must be approved by a judge during a Plea Bargaining Hearing. Consult with a legal professional for tailored advice.

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In Maryland, the penalties for firearm possession charges can range from 30 days to 5 years in jail. The sentence can vary based on factors like:
- Whether the person has a prior record.
- The circumstances of the possession.
- The type of firearm.
So, an *-month sentence could be seen as an average sentence.
if i get sentenced 18 months how much of that time would I have to spend in jail
In Maryland, you usually serve at least *% of your sentence before release. So for an *-month sentence, you'd likely serve at least 9 months. The actual time can vary based on behavior or parole decisions.
how to speed up the process if you aren’t taking it to trial
In Maryland, if you're not taking your case to trial, you can expedite the process by:
- Opting for a plea deal, which can be quicker than a trial.
- Submitting all necessary documents promptly.
- Hiring a competent lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf.
Please consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
once the states attorney has made a plea offer does it need to be presented to a judge if my lawyer wants to try to negotiate some more
The plea negotiation process largely involves the defense attorney and the prosecutor. However, final plea agreement must be approved by a judge. If further negotiation is desired after an initial offer, it doesn't need immediate presentation to the judge.
at a motion hearing can you discuss plea deals or no
Yes, plea deals can be discussed at a motion hearing. However, it typically depends on the judge's preferences and the specific court rules. Please consult with your lawyer for more accurate information.
is there a court hearing about a plea deal
Yes, a plea deal is typically discussed in a Plea Bargaining Hearing where the defendant, defense attorney, and prosecutor are present. The judge needs to approve the plea deal in this hearing.
what happens at plea bargaining hearing
At a Plea Bargaining Hearing:
- The prosecutor and defense attorney present the plea deal.
- The judge reviews the deal.
- The defendant acknowledges understanding the deal and its consequences.
- If accepted, the judge approves the deal and sentencing follows.
so a plea bargaining hearing shouldn’t be done until plea deal is final and negotiations are over
Yes, typically the Plea Bargaining Hearing takes place once all parties have agreed on a plea deal. However, negotiations can continue until the hearing. Please consult with your attorney to understand the process better.
can u discuss plea bargains in court before it is final?
Yes, plea negotiations can be discussed in court before the final agreement is reached. However, the specifics can depend on the court's rules and the judge's preferences.