# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 4. Weapon Crimes

### Subtitle 4. Uniform Machine Gun Act

#### Section 4-405

(a) Possession or use of a machine gun is presumed to be for an offensive or aggressive purpose when:

  (1) the machine gun:

    (i) is on premises not owned or rented for bona fide permanent residence or business occupancy by the person in whose possession the machine gun is found;

    (ii) is in the possession of, or used by, an unnaturalized foreign-born person or a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence in any state or federal court of the United States; or

    (iii) is not registered as required under Sec. 4-403 of this subtitle; or

  (2) empty or loaded shells that have been used or are susceptible of being used in the machine gun are found in the immediate vicinity of the machine gun.

(b) A person may not possess or use a machine gun for an offensive or aggressive purpose.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

(d) A person who violates this section is subject to Sec. 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)