Gun rights in Ohio include residents 21 and older being able to carry a concealed handgun without a license as long as they are allowed to possess a firearm, open carry without a license, and having the ability to buy a rifle or shotgun at age 18. A Columbus criminal defense lawyer can explain these and other rights in detail.
Permitless and Open Carry Gun Rights in Ohio
In June 2022, Ohio passed a permitless carry law (PCL). This bolstered the gun rights of residents of Ohio, as it allows locals to carry a firearm without having to obtain a concealed-carry license. In addition, it is legal for Ohioans to openly carry firearms without a permit or license. However, limitations apply to Ohio’s open carry rule, including:
- A firearm must be visible and cannot be concealed.
- You cannot openly carry a firearm while you are under the influence of alcohol.
- You cannot carry a firearm in a school, a courthouse, an airport, or other restricted locations.
The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has more than three decades of combined experience. We can teach you about your Ohio gun rights and what can happen if you violate them. If you have been charged with breaching Ohio’s gun laws, we can build a legal defense for you and help you achieve the optimal case results. Contact us for more information.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 884-1100
The Right to Buy a Gun at Age 18
Per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 2923.211, it is against the law to buy a gun in Ohio before the age of 18. A resident’s gun rights in Ohio go into effect at 18. At this point, they can purchase a long rifle. It is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to buy a handgun. You may be excluded from this rule if you are under 21 and meet any of these criteria:
- You are an active-duty or reserve member of the U.S. military.
- You are an active-duty or reserve member of the U.S. National Guard.
- You are a police officer.
With these, you must complete firearms training. For example, to comply with Ohio’s concealed-carry laws, someone who wants to become a police officer must finish eight hours of training. From here, they can apply for a concealed handgun license (CHL) from an Ohio county sheriff.
The Right to Get a Concealed Carry License in Ohio
You have the right to request a concealed carry license in Ohio. With this license, you can have a firearm with you while keeping it out of sight from others. To obtain this license, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21
- Be an Ohio resident for a minimum of 45 days and a resident of the county where you will apply for the license for at least 30 days
- Be a legal U.S. resident
- Not have a felony conviction or other restrictions that make it illegal for you to possess a firearm
If you have obtained a concealed firearm license in another state, you may not have to get one in Ohio. This is due to the fact that Ohio honors the concealed carry license of other states. Meanwhile, you must complete firearms training and the State of Ohio application for a license to carry a concealed handgun before your request for this license will be granted.
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Restricted Gun Rights in Ohio if You Have Been Convicted of a Felony
Those convicted of a violent offense or drug crime could have their gun rights restricted. Individuals convicted of felony crimes may lose the right to possess a firearm. Below are details about some of the crimes that can lead to the loss of the right to possess a gun in Ohio.
Rape
People charged with rape should seek legal help immediately from a Columbus sex crimes lawyer. Next, an attorney can learn about the criminal charge and look for ways to contest the prosecution’s argument. They may help their client avoid a conviction that can otherwise lead to a loss of gun rights in Ohio and other serious penalties.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Hire a Columbus DUI lawyer after being arrested for driving under the influence. If there are aggravating factors, a DUI can be treated as a felony. In this scenario, a person could lose the right to possess a firearm in Ohio and be subject to other severe consequences.
Theft
Expect a prosecutor to work hard to get a conviction that causes you to lose your gun rights if you have been arrested for theft. Ask a Columbus theft crime defense lawyer for legal help in the aftermath of your arrest. They will look for ways to protect your right to possess a firearm and others.
Drug Trafficking
If the court punishes you for trafficking drugs, you may not be allowed to own a gun in Ohio. A Columbus drug crime lawyer can develop a legal strategy for a trafficking charge. They may find ways to dispute the prosecution’s argument to the point where the court decides to drop the charge against you.
According to ORC Section 2923.14, you can petition the court for relief from a firearms restriction following a felony conviction, or you can go through the expungement process. To pursue either of these options, you must complete your sentence and not have had any new convictions since the one that led to the loss of your gun rights.
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Find Out More About Your Gun Rights in Ohio
At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we want you to understand your gun rights in Ohio and exercise them in alignment with the law. If you have been charged with a crime and are worried about losing these rights and others, we are here to help.
Give us the opportunity to serve as your legal representation. Schedule a case consultation with us to get started with a firm that has been in business for over 30 years.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
