Maryland Public Safety Section 5-203

      (a)      A person may not possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun unless:

            (1)      the person, while on official business is:

                  (i)      a member of the law enforcement personnel of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State;

                  (ii)      a member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty;

                  (iii)      a member of the law enforcement personnel of another state or a political subdivision of another state, while temporarily in this State;

                  (iv)      a warden or correctional officer of a correctional facility in the State; or

                  (v)      a sheriff or a temporary or full-time deputy sheriff; or

            (2)      the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law.

      (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.

      (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.