In Maryland, many criminal convictions, even misdemeanors, can deprive someone of their right to own, possess, or use a firearm. A person convicted of a felony also loses the right to possess a firearm.(b) (1) This subsection does not apply to a law enforcement officer. (2). On appeal, we affirmed the dismissal of the plaintiffs' claims under Maryland law and the Fourteenth Amendment. Section 922(g) is the law that prohibits felons, and certain other groups, from possessing firearms. The right to carry a handgun for selfdefense is sufficient reason to apply for an unrestricted permit. On August 23, 2024, the en banc 4th Circuit issued a 142 decision upholding Maryland's HQL law against the Second Amendment challenge. On remand, the district court again rejected Plaintiffs' claims, this time holding that Maryland's handgun licensure law did not violate the Second Amendment. The challenged law originated as one part of Maryland's Firearm Safety Act and is currently found at § 5-117.1 of the Maryland Public Safety Code. Last updated August 2021.