Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) Charge
in Ohio

Experienced Dayton CCW Defense Attorneys on Your Side

Gounaris Abboud is a respected Ohio criminal defense firm with a proven record of defending clients against concealed-carry charges in Dayton and statewide. Our attorneys draw on decades of combined experience and deep knowledge of Ohio’s firearm laws to challenge the prosecution and protect our clients’ rights.

We’ve secured dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Known for our personalized approach and aggressive advocacy, we are ready to fight for you whether the case involves alleged unlawful concealment, violating carry restrictions, or possessing a firearm in a prohibited location.

Carrying Concealed Weapons in Ohio (Permitless Carry)

Ohio is a permitless-carry state for handguns. As of June 13, 2022, a qualifying adult (21 or older and not otherwise prohibited) may carry a concealed handgun without a license. Licenses still exist — useful for interstate reciprocity — but a license is not required to carry a concealed handgun within Ohio. Other deadly weapons and dangerous ordnance remain strictly regulated.

Ohio Laws on Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Under R.C. 2923.12, it is illegal to knowingly carry or have concealed on your person or readily at hand any of the following:

• A deadly weapon other than a handgun
• A handgun (other than dangerous ordnance)
• Dangerous ordnance

“Dangerous ordnance” (see R.C. 2923.11) includes automatic firearms, sawed-off firearms, silencers/suppressors, explosives, and similar items, subject to narrow statutory exceptions. Definitions in R.C. 2923.11 and defenses/exemptions in R.C. 2923.12(H)–(K) may apply.

Potential Penalties Under R.C. 2923.12

Penalties depend on the facts (e.g., prior record, firearm condition, location). Offense levels are set in R.C. 2923.12(F); sentencing ranges and fine caps are in R.C. 2929.14 and 2929.18.

• Misdemeanor of the first degree (M1): up to 180 days in jail; up to $1,000 fine (baseline for many violations).
• Fourth-degree felony (F4): 6–18 months; up to $5,000 fine (e.g., prior CCW/violent-offense conviction; loaded firearm or ammo ready; dangerous ordnance).
• Third-degree felony (F3): 9–36 months; up to $10,000 fine (e.g., offense committed aboard an aircraft).

Note: Some unrelated “high-tier” F3 offenses in Ohio carry 12–60 months. Standard F3 sentencing for CCW is 9–36 months.

Where Carrying Is Still Illegal (Even with a License)

Having a concealed handgun license — or being a qualifying adult — does not allow carry everywhere. Ohio law lists prohibited places in R.C. 2923.126(B) and cross-references other statutes. Common examples include:

• Police stations, sheriff’s offices, and Highway Patrol facilities (R.C. 2923.126(B)(1))
• Certain state institutions (e.g., specific mental health or developmental disability facilities) (R.C. 2923.126(B)(2))
• School safety zones (R.C. 2923.122)
• Courthouses/rooms with courtrooms (R.C. 2923.123)
• Class D liquor permit premises, subject to limited statutory exceptions (R.C. 2923.121; 2923.126(B)(4))
• College/university premises (with narrow vehicle/board-authorized exceptions) (R.C. 2923.126(B)(5))
• Places of worship unless specifically permitted (R.C. 2923.126(B)(6))
• Certain government buildings/facilities and any place prohibited by federal law

Always verify posted signs and review the statute’s cross-references before carrying.

Notification and Conduct Rules During a Stop

The old “promptly notify” rule was changed by SB 215. If you are a licensee and carrying during a stop, you must disclose before or at the time the officer asks whether you are carrying; keep your hands in plain sight; do not touch the handgun; and follow lawful orders. Officers may issue lawful orders to anyone, licensed or not.

Possible Defenses to CCW Charges in Ohio

• Valid license or statutory defense in effect at the time
• Weapon was not actually “concealed” within the meaning of the statute
• Unlawful search or seizure; invalid stop
• No possession or control over the weapon
• Item does not meet the statutory definition of a “deadly weapon” or “dangerous ordnance”

Why Legal Representation Matters

CCW charges can have life-altering consequences — from jail and fines to firearm disabilities under state and federal law. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the basis of the stop or search, evaluate whether an item was truly concealed, assert statutory defenses, and negotiate for reductions, diversion, or dismissal where appropriate.