In recent months, and even in recent years, there has been much media attention on gun laws all across the country.
Despite the news feeds and stories about firearms, their responsible handling, and their potential dangers (like homicide), clarity on actual gun laws is difficult to find.
In order to help our clients make sense of pertinent firearm laws and any weapons charges they might be facing, our Dayton criminal defense attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have compiled some of the basic information that should be known by everyone in Ohio here in this blog.
Please give it a read if you want to know Ohio State’s gun possession, permit, and carry laws.
If you need legal representation, you are encouraged to contact us without delay to set up your free case evaluation as soon as possible.
Ohio Gun Laws 101
Ohio State legislation currently (circa March 2016) does not require a permit to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun, nor does it require mandatory registration for any such firearm.
Owners also do not require licensing, and only handguns require a permit to carry openly in public. If you want to carry a concealed weapon of any kind, either on your person or in your automobile, you will need a specific concealed weapon permit. It’s also important to understand Ohio’s laws around transporting a firearm to avoid unintentionally violating state or federal regulations.
In order to qualify for a concealed weapon permit, you must be:
- 21 years of age or older; otherwise, appropriate penalties for minors may apply.
- A legal United States resident.
- Live in Ohio State for at least 45 days.
- Live in your specific Ohio State county for at least 30 days.
- Able to complete a firearm safety and training course.
- Able to prove you read a firearms safety manual provided by local sheriff departments.
In order to be eligible for your concealed weapon permit, you must also not be:
- A fugitive of the law.
- Convicted of or facing felony charges.
- Convicted of or facing misdemeanor charges involving violence or drugs.
- Convicted of resisting arrest within the last 10 years.
- Considered mentally dangerous.
- Subject to a current order of protection or restraint.
- Intoxicated by alcohol or drugs at the time of carrying a firearm.
Ohio State will also recognize an official concealed carry license or permit from any other state in the union. If you’ve lost your right to possess a firearm due to a conviction, brandishing a firearm or other disqualifying factor, you may want to explore your options for gun rights restoration under Ohio law.
If you are convicted of carrying a concealed firearm with no valid permit, you could face:
- $1,000 fine
- Six months in jail
- Firearm safety retraining
Our Lawyers Can Help
If you still have questions about gun laws in Ohio, or if need help with a legal issue relevant to a weapon you own or control, call 937-222-1515 to connect with our Dayton weapons charges lawyers.