§ 4–104
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-104 (2026)
Title 4. Weapon Crimes
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 4–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Ammunition” means a cartridge, shell, or other device containing explosive or incendiary material designed and intended for use in a firearm.
(3)
(i)
“Firearm” means a handgun, rifle, shotgun, short–barreled rifle, or short–barreled shotgun, as those terms are defined in § 4–201 of this title, or any other firearm.
(ii)
“Firearm” does not include an antique firearm as defined in § 4–201 of this title.
(b)
This section does not apply if:
(1)
the minor’s access to a firearm is supervised by an individual at least 18 years old;
(2)
the minor’s access to a firearm was obtained as a result of an unlawful entry;
(3)
the firearm is in the possession or control of a law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in official duties; or
(4)
the minor has a certificate of firearm and hunter safety issued under § 10–301.1 of the Natural Resources Article.
(c)
A person may not store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor has access to the firearm.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
(e)
(1)
A violation of this section may not:
(i)
be considered evidence of negligence;
(ii)
be considered evidence of contributory negligence;
(iii)
limit liability of a party or an insurer; or
(iv)
diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a firearm or ammunition.
(2)
A party, witness, or lawyer may not refer to a violation of this section during a trial of a civil action that involves property damage, personal injury, or death.