<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="5-203" title_number="5" title_name="Firearms" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Rifles and Shotguns">
  <level label="a">
    <text>A person may not possess a short–barreled rifle or short–barreled shotgun unless:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>the person, while on official business is:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>a member of the law enforcement personnel of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>a member of the armed forces or the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iii">
        <text>a member of the law enforcement personnel of another state or a political subdivision of another state, while temporarily in this State;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iv">
        <text>a warden or correctional officer of a correctional facility in the State; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="v">
        <text>a sheriff or a temporary or full–time deputy sheriff; or</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>the short–barreled shotgun or short–barreled rifle has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>In a prosecution under this section, the defendant has the burden of proving the lawful registration of the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text>
  </level>
</section>
