Facing a gun charge can shake your confidence and threaten everything you have worked for. Your Westerville gun crime lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will walk you through your options and help you understand what comes next.
Our Westerville criminal defense lawyer brings over 30 years of experience serving Ohio and a reputation as the firm other law firms use and recommend. Contact us to request your 100% free consultation today.
Gun Charges Commonly Prosecuted in Westerville
If you are facing a gun charge, you are probably feeling stressed and unsure about what comes next. You may wonder what the charge means, whether you are looking at jail time, or how this could affect your future.
We work with people in your position every day, and we are here to help you understand what you are dealing with and what your options might be.
Illegal Possession or Carrying of a Firearm
There are very specific rules about who can carry a gun and how. If you were arrested for having a firearm without a valid permit or in a place where weapons are not allowed, you could be facing a felony charge. Even if the weapon was never used or safely stored, having it in your possession can lead to serious consequences.
You might not have realized that a prior conviction or missing paperwork could put you in violation. We take a close look at the facts and explain what the law really says. Then we help you figure out whether the charge can be reduced, dismissed, or fought in court.
Possession of a Firearm During The Commission of a Crime
If a weapon was found near you when you were arrested for something else, prosecutors may try to file an extra charge. This could be a gun in your vehicle, your home, or even something another person left behind. Even if you never reached for it or used it, the fact that it was there could complicate your case quickly.
We help you sort through what the officers found and why that matters. The presence of a weapon can increase penalties, so it is important to act quickly and be clear about the facts. We know how to dig into the details and help you respond with confidence.
Alleged Use or Threat of Force With a Weapon
You can be charged with a serious offense if someone says you showed or referenced a weapon during an argument or encounter. These cases often come down to perception: what the other person felt, what was said, and how officers interpreted the situation. Things can escalate quickly, especially if emotions are running high.
If that is what happened to you, we are here to listen and bring your side of the story into focus. You deserve to have your version of events heard clearly and without judgment. We will help you make sense of the charge and build a defense that reflects what actually happened.
For a free legal consultation with a gun crime lawyer serving Westerville, call (614) 884-1100
Penalties and Sentencing Factors in Ohio Gun Crime Cases
Gun crime charges in Ohio come with serious consequences, but the exact penalty depends on the details of the case. Everything from your criminal record to where the incident happened can affect the charges you are facing.
Our firm walks you through those details so you know what to expect and how we can help. Here are some of the most common penalties and sentencing factors we look at:
- Mandatory minimum sentencing
- Time in county jail or state prison
- Parole eligibility or probation limits
- Loss of firearm rights
- Federal charges based on the circumstances
- Gun crimes involving minors
- Incidents that happen near schools or public buildings
- Sentencing enhancements due to prior convictions
Each one of these factors can raise the stakes in your case. A misdemeanor could quickly turn into a felony if certain elements are present. Your Westerville gun rights restoration lawyer can also explain how a prior conviction could affect your future, even long after your current case is resolved. The court must see the full story, not just what is written in a police report.
Westerville Gun Crime Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Issues That Can Affect the Outcome of a Gun Crime Case
Gun charges can be serious, but that does not mean every case is handled properly. Mistakes in how the charges were filed, how you were questioned, or how your record is treated after the fact can all change the outcome. Our firm pays close attention to these issues so your case is based on facts, not shortcuts or assumptions.
Errors in How Gun Crime Charges Are Filed or Handled
Some gun crime cases are based on flawed reports or rushed decisions. If evidence was withheld or your case was built on weak information, that could point to prosecutor misconduct. These problems can affect how the case moves forward and whether the charges should stand. Your Westerville gun crime attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will review how the case was handled from the very beginning.
Problems With Custodial Questioning and Statements Made
What you say during a police interview can carry weight, but only if your rights are respected. If officers push too hard or skip key steps, we may be dealing with improper police interrogations and confessions. When that happens, we look at whether those statements should be used at all and whether a violation shaped your case.
After Effects That Follow a Criminal Conviction
Even after your case is resolved, a conviction can continue to affect your life. These ongoing problems are known as the collateral consequences of a conviction. They can include difficulty finding housing, limits on job options, and restrictions on your rights.
The Ohio Revised Code § 2923.12 covers carrying concealed weapons and other offenses that can lead to long-term consequences.
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Meet With Your Gun Crime Attorney in Westerville Today
We have decades of experience handling serious criminal cases, and other lawyers across Ohio trust us to take the lead when the stakes are high.
If you are facing gun charges, it is essential to act quickly and work with a team that knows how to protect your future. To get started, contact us now to connect with your gun crime lawyer in Westerville with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
