Weapon offenses in Ohio can leave an unsuspecting person completely shocked by how they may have violated the law. Individuals who hold concealed weapons licenses must comply with the law. People with a felony criminal history typically cannot carry a weapon concealed at all.
All it takes to face a weapons-related charge in Ohio is a seemingly small divergence from the laws governing possession of weapons. This could be allowing a family member or friend to “borrow” a weapon or finding yourself holding a firearm despite not having used the gun for any purpose.
Even a misdemeanor weapons charge can result in a person being ordered to serve jail time and pay thousands of dollars in fines. Violating state weapons laws could ultimately put a person in a position where their right to own or possess a firearm in the future is eliminated. Renting a home, securing a loan, or even finding employment may prove difficult when there is a weapons charge on your criminal record.
Defenses to Weapons Charges?
Weapons offenses may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies in Ohio. First through fourth degree misdemeanors carry with them jail sentences of between thirty and 180 days. Felony firearm offenses include carrying a concealed weapon, having a Weapon while under a legal disability, and the improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
A thorough understanding of the circumstances of a case and experience navigating Ohio firearms statutes are essential for any weapon offense lawyer. Different weapons charges can be added onto one another. This leaves an accused individual facing a handful of charges stemming from a single instance of alleged wrongdoing.
Where Can You Concealed Carry in Ohio?
It is possible to carry a weapon concealed almost anywhere in Ohio. Under Ohio’s constitutional carry law (SB 215, effective June 13, 2022), any person 21 years of age or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Ohio without a license.
Regardless of whether a person carries with or without a license, there are still limitations on that person’s ability to carry a weapon in certain locations. Establishments that serve alcohol, airports, places of worship, and courthouses are all examples of places where it is illegal to carry a firearm.
In some instances, prosecutors may bring two separate charges against an individual for carrying a firearm in two prohibited areas. Consider the person who had a firearm on their person in their vehicle and on their person at a sports bar—an experienced Ohio weapons offense lawyer advocates on behalf of clients to avoid unjust results like this.
Benefits of Hiring an Ohio Weapons Offense Lawyer
Facing a weapons charge in Ohio means an individual is up against a serious set of laws with serious consequences if convicted. An Ohio weapons offense lawyer focuses their practice on protecting their clients’ freedoms. The State- both law enforcement and a prosecutor’s office- has resources and know-how at its disposal when preparing its case against you.
It is not enough for a person accused of a weapons-related crime to move forward without a plan. Again, an unsuspecting individual may violate a weapons law without even realizing it. Creating a case strategy tailored to the specific facts of the case will ultimately make the most significant difference for the accused.
What can an attorney who focuses their practice on defending people facing criminal charges do to help you, specifically? Consider the following:
- Investigate the charges made against you. Then, collect evidence and begin building arguments based on the available defenses for that crime. An attorney skilled in defending people against weapons charges does not accept the case as presented by a prosecutor’s office.
- You should have an opportunity to have an advocate who listens to your side of the story. When a situation looks and feels bleak, consider who will sit with you, listen to your perspective, and offer feedback. Advice based on experience and an understanding of the law enables a person facing firearm or weapons charges to make well-informed decisions.
- Proceed with confidence- be it working out a plea with a prosecutor or taking your case all the way to a jury trial. When you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, your representative should be able to guide you toward the best possible outcome for your case. Serving clients in the courtroom to help them maintain their freedom is what a skilled weapons offense lawyer strives to achieve.
Contact The Robert Jones Defense Firm Today
Weapons-related criminal charges are not something that work themselves out on their own. When a prosecutor believes there is sufficient evidence to convict you of a crime, expect the full weight of their office to be brought to bear on those charges.
Fight back with the Robert Jones Defense Firm. Every client of ours receives individualized attention. We do not take any client or their case for granted. We strive to uphold the highest standard in advocacy for each person we represent. Contact our office today for a free case review.