{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-public-safety-5-203","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Public Safety § 5–203","heading":"","body":"(a) A person may not possess a short–barreled rifle or short–barreled shotgun unless:\n(1) the person, while on official business is:\n(i) a member of the law enforcement personnel of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State;\n(ii) a member of the armed forces or the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty;\n(iii) a member of the law enforcement personnel of another state or a political subdivision of another state, while temporarily in this State;\n(iv) a warden or correctional officer of a correctional facility in the State; or\n(v) a sheriff or a temporary or full–time deputy sheriff; or\n(2) the short–barreled shotgun or short–barreled rifle has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law.\n(b) 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.\n(c) 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.","path":["Article - Public Safety"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gps\u0026section=5-203","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:18Z","sha256":"e5dd1ed144e57d466cc5fa07a06f93b2e9acf1b1c99ee7569cbae7b48aee7c1e","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-public-safety-5-202","next":"us-md/md.-code-public-safety-5-204"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}