The guys above are 100% right. I've told you the same thing in the MD forum. You do have to answer the question on the ATF form 4473 and if you are caught lying on the form it's a felony. It's that simple. You seem determined to go ahead and try to purchase the firearm and are looking for anyone to agree with you. You mentioned that MD licensing said you wouldn't be denied because of a STET, but you didn't ask them if you'd be denied as a user. They answered the question you asked them. Get yourself cleaned up, get some help, get the legal situation taken care of and then after all of that, maybe then you should worry about getting the handgun. Argue it as much as you'd like, but what the guys said above is 100% right.