Examining Gun Possession and Carry Laws in Ohio

If you are facing a weapons charge, it is essential to contact a criminal defense attorney serving Columbus. Gun laws in Ohio are complex, and only a lawyer who is well versed in state criminal law can help you fight the charges. When you want to find a lawyer, be sure to pick someone whose practice is limited to defending criminal cases. Continue reading to find out more about gun possession and carry laws in Ohio.

Gun Possession
Almost any adult over 21 may legally purchase and possess a handgun, but some restrictions do apply. A criminal defense attorney sometimes handles cases of clients who are prohibited from possessing guns. For example, alcoholics, drug addicts, individuals with felony convictions, and people convicted of certain drug crimes cannot possess guns. A criminal law attorney sometimes fights charges on behalf of a mentally ill individual who may not legally possess a gun but did not know that he or she was breaking the law.

Carry Application
As criminal lawyers advise their clients, only individuals who have concealed handgun licenses may legally carry a gun concealed on their persons. To receive your concealed carry license, you must first apply to your local sheriff’s office on a form created by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission. Along with your application, you must provide a color photograph taken within 30 days, a set of fingerprints, and a certificate of firearm competence. Licenses are valid for five years. A criminal defense law firm regularly deals with clients who accidentally let their licenses expire.

Carry Restrictions
Ohio places more restrictions on individuals who seek to carry concealed weapons. In criminal defense law, it is common to see individuals who have been indicted for felony or drug offenses and do not realize that these accusations prohibit them from carrying concealed guns. In addition, defendants with even misdemeanor convictions for violent crimes cannot carry a concealed weapon if that conviction occurred within the past three years.