§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.