Brown v. Handgun Permit Review Board

The Maryland State Police (“MSP”) denied the application of Ralph Coleman Brown, Jr., appellant, to renew his permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun. Initially, the MSP informed Brown by letter that his application was denied due to his “propensity for instability.” But, at an informal review of the decision to deny, the MSP informed Brown in person that the real reason was his 1984 conviction in the District of Columbia for possession of a dangerous weapon. That misdemeanor offense carried a maximum sentence of one year of imprisonment in the District of Columbia. Brown was sentenced…