Attorney Marc J. Victor Live on Armed American Radio | 06-05-2025
In a recent episode of Armed American Radio’s Daily Defense, host Mark Walters introduces a critical development in the Second Amendment law. Joined by criminal defense attorney Marc J. Victor, they highlight a recent Fourth Circuit ruling out of Maryland concerning assault weapons bans. They also discuss the growing legal tensions surrounding firearm regulations in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case.
“But there’s this sort of sub argument now, which is does the Second Amendment merely protect an individual’s right to self-defense or does it protect something more, the right to defend yourself against a tyrannical government?”
Key Points
- Fourth Circuit Ruling on Assault Weapon Ban vs. the Supreme Court’s Position
- Self-Defense Laws, The Legal Aftermath, & Insurance Companies
- Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters
- A Call to Action for Responsible Gun Owners
Fourth Circuit Ruling on Assault Weapon Ban vs. the Supreme Court’s Position
A recent federal court ruling has cast a light on the Supreme Court’s current stance regarding the types of firearms Americans are allowed to own. In a major decision, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an assault weapons ban in Maryland, a law that effectively outlaws over 40 categories of long guns, including the AK-47, AR-15, and Barrett .50 caliber rifle.
The court justified its position by arguing that these firearms are “weapons of war,” designed primarily for military use, and thus, are not protected by the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court responded by declining to hear the case. By denying certiorari, the Court has allowed the Maryland ban to stand. Once again, the highest court has refused to define the limits, or protections, of the Second Amendment when it comes to modern firearms.
“I think the question that’s going to have to be answered in the Second Amendment context is: this about individual right to self-defense or is this about defending yourself against a tyrannical government? And that might be where the hangup is here. And the Supreme Court’s going to have to answer this question.”
Self-Defense Laws, The Legal Aftermath, & Insurance Companies
While self-defense is often classified as a “negative right” – a protection from interference, it is deeply rooted in both natural law and the U.S. Constitution. Yet, despite this foundational principle, many states fall short of fully supporting the use of force, particularly lethal force, in self-defense scenarios.
Although states like Texas extend some recognition to the defense of property, their laws still include complex and often contradictory provisions that make it difficult for individuals to confidently exercise their Second Amendment rights. These legal gray areas create vulnerabilities, ones that insurance companies and legal systems may exploit. In many cases, these institutions offer little to no protection for gun owners involved in self-defense incidents especially when firearms are used, even if no shots are fired.
This legal landscape makes it critical for responsible gun owners to align themselves with organizations like Attorneys For Freedom (AFF). AFF advocates vigorously for individuals who are forced to protect themselves or others.
“You have two fights… You’ve got the fight on the street, right? You’ve got to win that fight. Your life depends on winning that fight. But people forget about the second fight. The fight, the inevitable fight in the courtroom”
Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters
The first person you should contact after a self-defense incident is your attorney, not the police, not a friend, not a bystander. Why? Because one wrong word, one emotional statement, can be twisted into evidence against you. In these moments, your silence is not guilt.
That’s why Attorneys for Freedom created The Attorneys On Retainer Program. It includes an emergency hotline that gives you real-time access to legal advice when you need it most.
“We have had cases where our clients have wanted to say, “Look, I was in fear.” We said, “No, no, no. We don’t even know that they can prove it was you.” And we’ve said, ‘SHUT UP’ … they’ve listened to us, and the case gets dismissed or we ultimately win because they can’t prove who the shooter was.”
When it comes to protecting your right to self-defense, there’s only one firm with decades of real courtroom experience: Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm. With our Attorney On Retainer Program, you’re covered in all 50 states. Are you ready to become a member of AOR? Please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
