Gun crime charges carry serious weight, especially when they involve accusations of possession, threats, or violence. Your Lancaster gun crimes lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will look closely at what happened and whether the state has the evidence to support its claim.
Since 1993, The Firm Other Lawyers Call has helped people across Ohio face serious charges with confidence. Your Lancaster criminal defense lawyer will help you understand what you are up against and how we can step in to help.
When a Firearm Charge Becomes a Felony in Ohio
Some gun charges start small but turn into something much more serious based on what else was happening at the time. Your Lancaster gun crime attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will look at how and why the charge was filed and whether the facts support that decision.
Gun Possession Violations on School or Government Property
Some places are treated as zero-tolerance zones under Ohio law. Having a weapon on school grounds or inside a courthouse can lead to felony charges, even if you did not intend harm or were unaware that the location was restricted. These cases often involve people with no criminal history who made a quick decision without thinking through the consequences.
There is a big difference between carrying without proper documentation and entering a place where weapons are never allowed. If you are accused of bringing a gun into a prohibited space, such as a school or federal building, the case may come with harsher penalties, even if no one was ever threatened. These are the kinds of details your defense lawyer will need to review early.
Allegations Involving a Firearm and Other Crimes
Gun-related charges often appear alongside other accusations. This can happen during a drug investigation, after a fight, or when someone is suspected of theft or trespassing. You may not have used the weapon at all, but the state may still treat its presence as a major factor in how the case moves forward.
Prosecutors sometimes file gun charges even when the weapon was never touched or used. The fact that a firearm was nearby is often enough to increase the penalties or stack charges. That is why it is important to look at how the evidence was found and whether it was actually connected to what happened.
For a free legal consultation with a gun crime lawyer serving Lancaster, call (614) 884-1100
Common Gun Charges We Handle in Lancaster
Gun crime cases vary widely, and the charges you face will depend on what happened, where it happened, and whether anyone reported a threat or violation. Some cases involve carrying without proper documentation, while others stem from probation status, protection orders, or other restrictions. You may be facing charges such as:
- Improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.16
- Possession of a firearm by someone with a prior felony
- Having weapons under disability
- Possessing a firearm in a school zone or other restricted area under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122 or Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm during a dispute
- Firearm possession during the commission of another alleged crime
- Unlawful sale, transfer, or trafficking of firearms
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Knowingly providing a weapon to a prohibited person
- Attempted purchase while under legal restriction
- Possession of a firearm while under a temporary protection order
Each of these charges comes with its own challenges, and many involve more context than the arrest report shows. Maybe you never intended to break the law, or maybe someone else made assumptions that were taken as fact. We will work with you to break down what happened and help push back where the charge does not match the situation.
Lancaster Gun Crime Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
How Ohio Gun Laws Affect Who Can Be Charged
You do not need to use a firearm to face a gun-related charge in Ohio. These cases often involve people who were accused of violating licensing requirements, conditions of probation, or other rules that limit who can possess a weapon.
It is important to remember that your gun rights in Ohio can be restricted for many different reasons, and charges may follow even if you never touched the weapon.
Cases Involving Firearms and Mental Health Flags
Gun charges sometimes involve red flag laws, protective orders, or a person’s mental health history. Someone may be disqualified from owning or carrying a firearm after a court-ordered evaluation or based on concerns raised during a separate legal case. These restrictions can come from temporary situations, but still lead to criminal charges if a weapon is later found.
There is a public perception that people who follow the rules and stay in control should never trigger these kinds of restrictions. The truth is, what mentally strong people don’t do is panic, react impulsively, or ignore legal orders, and even the appearance of those things can lead to an arrest. These cases often depend on how events were described and whether there is a clear record of what happened.
Restrictions for Individuals With Prior Offenses or Under Supervision
If you are on probation, parole, or under court supervision, firearm possession may be off-limits. The same is true for anyone with certain prior convictions, even if the past offense happened years ago. Charges can be filed if a weapon is found in your home, car, or even nearby, depending on how the circumstances are reported.
These cases are sometimes charged under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.13, which covers what the law calls having weapons under disability. The statute applies to a wide range of people, including those with past felony convictions or active protection orders. What matters most is not just where the weapon was found, but whether you were legally allowed to have it nearby.
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Talk to a Gun Crime Attorney in Lancaster With a Record of Results
Our firm has built a strong reputation for defending complex felony cases across Ohio with precision, discretion, and care.
Your gun crime lawyer in Lancaster at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will help you understand where things stand and what can be done to push back. Before you make a statement or agree to anything, contact us so we can help you protect your future.
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