Court Watch’s new study shows judges told only 1 out of 126 convicted abusers they were banned from possessing or purchasing guns. When a domestic violence abuser has access to a gun the chances of a victim being killed rise 500%.
Judges need to be actively applying Maryland law by informing relevant convicted offenders verbally and in writing that they may not possess guns, warning them of consequences of possessing, asking them under oath if they have guns, and urging them to turn their guns in.
NOTE: A new Maryland law taking effect Oct. 1, 2018 requires judges to orally tell every domestic violence defendant convicted of assault or a list of other crimes that they must turn in all guns within 48 hours to law enforcement or a licensed gun dealer.