Quoted:
But when I carry illegally, I BEHAVE LEGALLY. I don't speed, I avoid trouble spots whenever possible, and I don't spit on the sidewalk.
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This is perhaps the most important point made here. If you choose to illegally carry, make sure that your behavior is [b][u]squeaky clean[/u][/b]. Drive within the speed limit, don't get into arguments, don't jaywalk, don't drink alcohol at all, be aware of yourself and your surroundings, don't do anything (else) that is remotely illegal. There are two reasons to behave this way:
1) Police will not have any reason to stop you, question you, or search you. If they ever ask you for permission to search you, be sure to refuse.
2) If they do search you, there is a good chance that the search is illegal, and you can get the evidence suppressed, and thereby get the charges dismissed, and sometimes even get your gun back.
Regarding the moral aspect of carrying a gun, no honest man in the State of Maryland can obtain a permit to carry a gun for protection. This is an immoral state of affairs, and you have no moral duty to obey this particular law. However, you have to be prepared to face all the legal consequences ($$$, conviction history, loss of rights), and weigh them against the consequences of criminal attack (death, robbery, crippling injury, leaving loved ones behind). Only you can make this decision. Best of luck. If I am on your jury, I will vote to acquit.