Every state has its own specific set of rules for carrying concealed weapons. Whether you have recently been issued a license in Ohio or simply want to inform yourself on the state’s concealed carry law, we’re here to provide some insight into any potential criminal convictions that might impact your CCW rights.
The most common violations of Ohio’s CCW law are:
- Drinking alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon
- Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Carrying without a permit
- Carrying a concealed weapon in prohibited areas
- Failure to produce CCW license when requested by law enforcement
Where Can I Carry Concealed?
With a valid permit, you may carry concealed in your motor vehicle, provided you are prepared to tell an officer who might conduct a stop that you are carrying a weapon and show your appropriate license when asked to. Any failure to do so could result in misdemeanor or even felony charges in court.
You may also carry concealed in bars and restaurants, but if you do so you must not be consuming any alcohol. You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when carrying concealed under Ohio law.
You may also carry in:
- State parks
- State forests
- National forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Roadside rest areas
Additionally, business entities, property owners and public or private employers cannot ban anyone who has a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition when the items are either: (a) locked in the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment of a person’s privately-owned motor vehicle or (b) inside the motor vehicle while the person is physically present inside the motor vehicle.
Where Can’t I Carry Concealed?
While with a proper license you may carry concealed in a number of places, as listed above, be aware of the following places that are off-limits to carry a concealed firearm:
- Police stations and sheriff’s offices
- Correctional institutions or other detention facilities
- Courthouses or buildings in which a courtroom is located
- Places of worship, unless the place of worship permits otherwise
- Secured areas of airports
- Government buildings
- School zones and properties owned by public or private universities or colleges (keeping the concealed weapon locked in your motor vehicle is permitted)
- Any areas prohibited by federal law
“No Guns” Signs
Additionally, licensed carriers must obey any “no guns” signs displayed. While some states have specific guidelines detailing how such signs are to be worded, as well as acceptable sign designs and placement in accordance with the law, Ohio does not. The sign must merely be placed in a conspicuous manner.
A violation of concealed carry laws is generally a first-degree misdemeanor and involves potential jail time of up to six months, a fine up to $1,000.00 and possible suspension of the concealed handgun license. Level of charges may increase under other conditions, such as repeat offenses.
What Disqualifies You from Getting a CCW in Ohio?
Any offense (other than traffic) committed purposely or knowingly involving physical harm or risk of serious physical harm to someone will prevent you from owning or obtaining a CCW permit, even if such charges are non-weapons related.
Such offenses include the following:
- Any felony offense
- Marijuana or drug possession or paraphernalia and convicted as a first-, second-, third- or fourth-degree misdemeanor, even if the case is pending. A minor misdemeanor for marijuana possession will not prevent you from obtaining a CCW permit.
- Domestic violence conviction
- Certain offenses of violence: assault, menacing, child endangerment, negligent assault
- Resisting arrest
- Assault where the victim is a peace officer
Other disqualifications include:
- Drug or Alcohol Addiction: If an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they are disqualified from obtaining a CCW.
- Adjudicated Mental Incompetence: If an individual has been determined to be mentally incompetent or has been involuntarily committed to a mental health institution, they are disqualified from obtaining a CCW.
- Fugitive: If an individual is a fugitive from justice or has an outstanding arrest warrant, they are disqualified from obtaining a CCW.
- Dishonorable Discharge: If an individual who served in the U.S. military and has been dishonorably discharged, they are disqualified from obtaining a CCW.
- Restraining Order: If an individual is subject to a restraining order, they are disqualified from obtaining a CCW.
If you are convicted of a CCW violation or possess any non-weapons related charges, your right to the license and your right to bear arms at all may be at risk. Our criminal defense attorney can help you navigate any charges, convictions and related nuances in Ohio’s CCW law.
Contact us at Hartwig Law LLC for a consultation!