Fed up with Maryland laws

Bear Extraordinaire · April 23, 2002, 12:54 PM

Well, I have come to the conclusion that the State of Maryland exists for the happy go lucky criminals. It is bad enough to see all of the murders, crime, and robberies in Maryland in the media, but when you know someone pretty well that gets mugged for her purse, now that is something else. When it hits home, it really makes you think. I wish the idiots here in Maryland would have CC Permits. I dont think Mace or pepper spray is nearly enough. Is there anything, next to moving away, that one can do to protect themselves since you cant have a gun?

Solitar · April 23, 2002, 07:20 PM

Martial Arts?
A six-D-cell Maglight?
A cell phone to call 9-1-1

Plan A: Avoid risky circumstances (a friendlier neighborhood?)
Plan B: BS your way out of 'em
Plan C: Chemical (though that may not be enough)

jimpeel · April 23, 2002, 07:25 PM

Quote:

A six-D-cell Maglight?

Illegal in many states. I believe that in CA the limit is a two cell "D" or three cell "C" -- except for the cops, of course -- because they can be used as a weapon.

cpileri · April 24, 2002, 03:51 AM

In many states, but what about MD?
Where could one find out?
C-

Bear Extraordinaire · April 24, 2002, 07:36 AM

in regards to the flashlight, or any other "weapons" how could one find out if they are illegal in their state?

Bulldozer · April 24, 2002, 08:01 AM

6-cell D maglight would be way too big to carry on your person without arousing attention.

If you are interested in on-person defense, consider..

10% OC pepper spray, available on key ring dispenser, also mini-kubotan dispenser, or small canister.

avoid knives as they require you to get too close and unless you have had significant training, they are too easily removed from you and used against you.
In addition, you want space and distance from your attacker, not to go toe-to-toe. In MD, a blade over 3.5 inches (I believe) is considered a "deadly weapon."

I have always been fond of the following (it has been used in more than a few altercations to good effect) while I was travelling on business and did not want to use anything more offensive.

sock with 3-4 rolls of pennies, nickels, or whatever. you can use it as one hell of a flail. it will knock out teeth, bust up wrists, knees, or bust noses real nicely.

in colder months, you can substitute a cue ball and and keep the sock in your overcoat pocket. Nobody will think anything of the bulge, it is likely just gloves.... and talk about hurt...

ASP batons are a no-go, as they are considered a "weapon." You'd get in less hot water with the local constabulary, but still less trouble than with a gun that was carried illegally.

of course, this begs the question... just carry the gun and have a good lawyer, or become a political cronie to get a permit.

Mikul · April 24, 2002, 11:53 AM

Maryland's laws seem to attract criminals and welfare recipients. Nothing seems to have changed in the last ten years.

Watch out for pepper sprays. In some states, like New Jersey, anything over a half ounce in illegal. While better than nothing, you had better not miss. For this reason, the police have run into people, mostly older people, who are carrying full cans of oven cleaner.

Maryland has taken away your option to carry a gun, a knife of reasonable size, and a usable amount of pepper spray. You have no decent options for personal self-defence. Are these laws good, just or even legal? Of course not, but you'll be arrested for their violation.

Do what you have to in order to stay alive.

Thairlar · April 24, 2002, 12:11 PM

Watch out for improvised blackjacks as well. IIRC, they're illegal in MA among other states.

Bulldozer · April 24, 2002, 02:22 PM

Maryland

Article 27, Section 339
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation or the agent of either, whether a licensed dealer or not, to sell, barter, display or offer to sell or barter
(1) Any knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle thereof, commonly called "switchblades," or any switchblade penknife operating in a similar manner.
Article 27, Section 36.
Every person who shall wear or carry any dirk, bowie, switchblade, star knife, razor or any other dangerous or deadly weapon of any kind whatsoever (penknives without switchblades and handguns excepted) concealed upon or about his person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

so far, this is all I find. Nothing on improvised blackjacks. So my cue ball and coins seems to be fine.

I mean, who is going to get arrested for carrying legal tender?

**Mike Irwin** · April 24, 2002, 02:30 PM

A friend of mine used to carry a large Master padlock on a length of chain in his pocket. Effectively the "cueball in the sock," and a lot less likely to rouse any sort of suspicion.

It's the lock for my (bike, scooter, etc.) and I took it off the (object) and stuck it in my pocket when I pushed the (object) into (its storage area). Guess I forgot to hang it back on the (object) that that it's there the next time I need it.

I was ragging on him one day about my being able to carry a gun and him not being able to (brush with the law years ago), and he whipped that padlock out of his pocket, gave it a quick twirl, and tore a hole in his mailbox, which was not an insubstantial piece of infrastructure.

treeprof · April 24, 2002, 03:02 PM

The $$ in a sock or lock on a chain options are good possiblities. If they weren't so dang bulky, I've thought before that those cans of wasp insecticide that reach out 20 ft or so might be an option if you couldn't carry OC, gun, knife or whatever. Gives you some distance, and someone else a trip to the hospital or call to Poison Control Ctr. if you get 'em in the face.

dZ · April 24, 2002, 04:08 PM

MARYLAND
MD. CODE

Article 27. Crimes and Punishments
Carrying or Wearing Weapon
36. Carrying or wearing concealed wea-
pon; carrying openly with intent to injure;
carrying by person under eighteen at night in
certain counties.
(a) In general.
(1) Every person who shall wear or carry any
dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star
knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, nuncha-
ku, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon of
any kind, whatsoever (penknives without switch-
blade and handguns, excepted) concealed upon
or about his person, and every person who shall
wear or carry any such weapon, chemical mace,
pepper mace, or tear gas device openly with the
intent or purpose of injuring any person in any
unlawful manner, shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor, and upon conviction, shall be fined not
more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in jail, or
sentenced to the Maryland Department of
Correction for not more than three years.
(2) In case of a conviction under the provi-
sions of this subsection, if it shall appear from
the evidence that such weapon was carried,
concealed or openly, with the deliberate purpose
of injuring the person or destroying the life of an-
other, the court shall impose the highest sen-
tence of imprisonment prescribed.
(3) In Cecil, Anne Arundel, Talbot, Harford,
Caroline, Prince George's, Montgomery, St.
Mary's, Washington, Worcester, Kent, and Balti-
more Counties it shall also be unlawful and a
misdemeanor, punishable as provided in para-
graph (1) of this subsection, for any person un-
der eighteen years of age to carry any danger-
ous or deadly weapon, other than a handgun,
between one hour after sunset and one hour be-
fore sunrise, whether concealed or not, except
while on a bona fide hunting trip, or except while
engaged in or on the way to or returning from a
bona fide trap shoot, sport shooting event, or
any organized civic or military activity.
(b) Possession of pepper mace.-
(1) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this
section, a minor may not possess pepper mace,
either openly or concealed.
(2) A person who violates this subsection is
guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall
be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprison-
ment for up to 3 years or both. –
(f) Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall
be construed to prevent the carrying of any of
the weapons mentioned in subsections (a) and
(b) of this section by:
(1) An officer of this State, or of any county or
city, who is entitled or required to carry such
weapon as part of the officer's official equip-
ment, or by any conservator of the peace, who is
entitled or required to carry such weapon as part
of the conservator's official equipment, or by any
officer or conservator of the peace of some other
state temporarily sojourning in this State;
(2) Any special agent of a railway;
(3) Any person to whom a permit to carry a
concealed weapon has been issued under §
36E of this article; or
(4) Any person who shall carry such weapon
as a reasonable precaution against appre-
hended danger, but the tribunal before which
any case arising under the provisions of this
section may be tried, shall have the right to
judge of the reasonableness of the carrying of
any such weapon, and the proper occasion
therefor, under the evidence in the case.

April 23, 2002, 12:54 PM	#1
Bear Extraordinaire Junior Member Join Date: August 6, 2001 Location: Abingdon, Maryland Posts: 2	Fed up with Maryland laws Well, I have come to the conclusion that the State of Maryland exists for the happy go lucky criminals. It is bad enough to see all of the murders, crime, and robberies in Maryland in the media, but when you know someone pretty well that gets mugged for her purse, now that is something else. When it hits home, it really makes you think. I wish the idiots here in Maryland would have CC Permits. I dont think Mace or pepper spray is nearly enough. Is there anything, next to moving away, that one can do to protect themselves since you cant have a gun?

April 24, 2002, 03:51 AM	#4
cpileri Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2001 Location: Peoples Republik of Maryland, Sister State to Kalifornia Posts: 619	6-D cell? In many states, but what about MD? Where could one find out? C- __________________ ___________________________ "Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." -- William Pitt (1783)

April 24, 2002, 07:36 AM	#5
Bear Extraordinaire Junior Member Join Date: August 6, 2001 Location: Abingdon, Maryland Posts: 2	How could you find out? in regards to the flashlight, or any other "weapons" how could one find out if they are illegal in their state?

April 24, 2002, 08:01 AM	#6
Bulldozer Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 1999 Location: Kansas City Metro Posts: 415	Some Ideas 6-cell D maglight would be way too big to carry on your person without arousing attention. If you are interested in on-person defense, consider.. 10% OC pepper spray, available on key ring dispenser, also mini-kubotan dispenser, or small canister. avoid knives as they require you to get too close and unless you have had significant training, they are too easily removed from you and used against you. In addition, you want space and distance from your attacker, not to go toe-to-toe. In MD, a blade over 3.5 inches (I believe) is considered a "deadly weapon." I have always been fond of the following (it has been used in more than a few altercations to good effect) while I was travelling on business and did not want to use anything more offensive. sock with 3-4 rolls of pennies, nickels, or whatever. you can use it as one hell of a flail. it will knock out teeth, bust up wrists, knees, or bust noses real nicely. in colder months, you can substitute a cue ball and and keep the sock in your overcoat pocket. Nobody will think anything of the bulge, it is likely just gloves.... and talk about hurt... ASP batons are a no-go, as they are considered a "weapon." You'd get in less hot water with the local constabulary, but still less trouble than with a gun that was carried illegally. of course, this begs the question... just carry the gun and have a good lawyer, or become a political cronie to get a permit. __________________ There are three things in this life that make me smile ear to ear -- Mastiffs, Magnums, and Merlots. Don't try to take any of them from me.

April 24, 2002, 11:53 AM	#7
Mikul Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2000 Posts: 1,396	Maryland's laws seem to attract criminals and welfare recipients. Nothing seems to have changed in the last ten years. Watch out for pepper sprays. In some states, like New Jersey, anything over a half ounce in illegal. While better than nothing, you had better not miss. For this reason, the police have run into people, mostly older people, who are carrying full cans of oven cleaner. Maryland has taken away your option to carry a gun, a knife of reasonable size, and a usable amount of pepper spray. You have no decent options for personal self-defence. Are these laws good, just or even legal? Of course not, but you'll be arrested for their violation. Do what you have to in order to stay alive. __________________ There are two types of men: those with guns, and those at their mercy.

April 23, 2002, 07:20 PM	#2
Solitar Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2000 Location: Solitary Posts: 717	Martial Arts? A six-D-cell Maglight? A cell phone to call 9-1-1 Plan A: Avoid risky circumstances (a friendlier neighborhood?) Plan B: BS your way out of 'em Plan C: Chemical (though that may not be enough)

April 24, 2002, 12:11 PM	#8
Thairlar Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2001 Location: MA Posts: 565	Watch out for improvised blackjacks as well. IIRC, they're illegal in MA among other states. __________________ Skip Pacheco, Libertarian for State Representative Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we can not be trusted with arms for our own defense? Where is the difference in having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands? -Patrick Henry

April 24, 2002, 02:22 PM	#9
Bulldozer Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 1999 Location: Kansas City Metro Posts: 415	Maryland Article 27, Section 339 (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation or the agent of either, whether a licensed dealer or not, to sell, barter, display or offer to sell or barter (1) Any knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle thereof, commonly called "switchblades," or any switchblade penknife operating in a similar manner. Article 27, Section 36. Every person who shall wear or carry any dirk, bowie, switchblade, star knife, razor or any other dangerous or deadly weapon of any kind whatsoever (penknives without switchblades and handguns excepted) concealed upon or about his person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. so far, this is all I find. Nothing on improvised blackjacks. So my cue ball and coins seems to be fine. I mean, who is going to get arrested for carrying legal tender? __________________ There are three things in this life that make me smile ear to ear -- Mastiffs, Magnums, and Merlots. Don't try to take any of them from me.

April 24, 2002, 02:30 PM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,391	A friend of mine used to carry a large Master padlock on a length of chain in his pocket. Effectively the "cueball in the sock," and a lot less likely to rouse any sort of suspicion. It's the lock for my (bike, scooter, etc.) and I took it off the (object) and stuck it in my pocket when I pushed the (object) into (its storage area). Guess I forgot to hang it back on the (object) that that it's there the next time I need it. I was ragging on him one day about my being able to carry a gun and him not being able to (brush with the law years ago), and he whipped that padlock out of his pocket, gave it a quick twirl, and tore a hole in his mailbox, which was not an insubstantial piece of infrastructure. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 24, 2002, 03:02 PM	#11
treeprof Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Posts: 587	The $$ in a sock or lock on a chain options are good possiblities. If they weren't so dang bulky, I've thought before that those cans of wasp insecticide that reach out 20 ft or so might be an option if you couldn't carry OC, gun, knife or whatever. Gives you some distance, and someone else a trip to the hospital or call to Poison Control Ctr. if you get 'em in the face.

April 24, 2002, 04:08 PM	#12
dZ Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: Exiled, Fetid Swamp, DC Posts: 7,548	MARYLAND MD. CODE Article 27. Crimes and Punishments Carrying or Wearing Weapon 36. Carrying or wearing concealed wea- pon; carrying openly with intent to injure; carrying by person under eighteen at night in certain counties. (a) In general. (1) Every person who shall wear or carry any dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, nuncha- ku, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon of any kind, whatsoever (penknives without switch- blade and handguns, excepted) concealed upon or about his person, and every person who shall wear or carry any such weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring any person in any unlawful manner, shall be guilty of a misde- meanor, and upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in jail, or sentenced to the Maryland Department of Correction for not more than three years. (2) In case of a conviction under the provi- sions of this subsection, if it shall appear from the evidence that such weapon was carried, concealed or openly, with the deliberate purpose of injuring the person or destroying the life of an- other, the court shall impose the highest sen- tence of imprisonment prescribed. (3) In Cecil, Anne Arundel, Talbot, Harford, Caroline, Prince George's, Montgomery, St. Mary's, Washington, Worcester, Kent, and Balti- more Counties it shall also be unlawful and a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in para- graph (1) of this subsection, for any person un- der eighteen years of age to carry any danger- ous or deadly weapon, other than a handgun, between one hour after sunset and one hour be- fore sunrise, whether concealed or not, except while on a bona fide hunting trip, or except while engaged in or on the way to or returning from a bona fide trap shoot, sport shooting event, or any organized civic or military activity. (b) Possession of pepper mace.- (1) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, a minor may not possess pepper mace, either openly or concealed. (2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprison- ment for up to 3 years or both. – (f) Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the carrying of any of the weapons mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) of this section by: (1) An officer of this State, or of any county or city, who is entitled or required to carry such weapon as part of the officer's official equip- ment, or by any conservator of the peace, who is entitled or required to carry such weapon as part of the conservator's official equipment, or by any officer or conservator of the peace of some other state temporarily sojourning in this State; (2) Any special agent of a railway; (3) Any person to whom a permit to carry a concealed weapon has been issued under § 36E of this article; or (4) Any person who shall carry such weapon as a reasonable precaution against appre- hended danger, but the tribunal before which any case arising under the provisions of this section may be tried, shall have the right to judge of the reasonableness of the carrying of any such weapon, and the proper occasion therefor, under the evidence in the case. __________________ "O tell the Lacedomecians to damn the torpedoes." BOTR, Chapter V: Some Monsters