weapons crimes Archives | Dublin Criminal Defense Blog

Some Ohio gun owners could face weapons crimes for concealment

2019-03-25T13:40:00Z

It is permissible in Ohio to carry concealed firearms as long as the individual doing so has a valid license. Unfortunately, last year, authorities discovered that two firearms instructors here in the state allegedly falsified records that resulted in numerous gun owners receiving a concealed carry permit illegally. Some of those owners could end up facing charges for weapons crimes if they carry their weapons concealed without a valid license to do so.

Reportedly, the number of license revocations went up dramatically in 2018, and that trend may continue this year due to this situation. Evidence seems to indicate that one of the instructors no longer had the requisite qualifications to train others in the use of firearms, let alone to sign off on concealed carry licenses. One source says this affects at least 270 people while another says it affects closer to 700 people, if not more since the total number is not yet known.

]]> The Ohio law requires a full eight hours of training -- six in the classroom and two on the range -- in order to receive a certificate for a concealed carry license. Without the state-mandated training, the certificate is not valid. This means that gun owners in possession of an invalid permit could end up facing charges that potentially include jail time, fines and other penalties.

An individual who suspects he or she did not receive a license legally may want to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it is possible to face charges for weapons crimes that could jeopardize not only the right to carry a concealed weapon, but also to own firearms at all. Before taking any action, individuals in this situation should gain an understanding of their rights, responsibilities and legal options.

The right to carry a firearm could clash with weapons crimes

2019-02-11T13:40:00Z

Most Ohio residents know that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution allows them to keep and bear arms. Even so, the government puts restrictions on how and when residents may exercise this right. For this reason, the right to carry a firearm often clashes with established weapons crimes.

In Ohio, you can openly carry a firearm in public, but you must meet certain conditions and criteria first. If you fail to understand what those qualifications and conditions are, you could end up on the wrong side of the law. For instance, you cannot carry a weapon onto government property or into schools.

]]> You cannot carry your weapon if you plan to be drinking alcohol. Even if you will not be drinking, private businesses and property owners can request that you leave the premises if you carry a gun. You may be able to return once you no longer have your weapon on you.

Putting a weapon in your vehicle requires you to follow certain criteria and obtain the proper permissions as well. Some people are not allowed to carry a weapon. If a police officer questions your right to carry a weapon, your best course of action is to keep your hands away from your weapon and remain calm.

If you want to carry a weapon in public, it would be in your best interests to make sure that you do so legally. Otherwise, you could end up under arrest and facing charges. You have the right to challenge the charges. If you end up under arrest for weapons crimes associated with your possession of a firearm, you do not have to accept your fate and have every right to contest the charges alongside an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Can I have my criminal record cleared in Ohio?

2019-01-31T19:40:00Z

When you were younger, you made a poor choice that led to a criminal conviction. You regret this mistake every day. Because of your criminal record, you have been turned down for housing, jobs and other opportunities. There is no way to turn back time, but you may be able to expunge an offense from your criminal record.

Expungement does not wipe away a crime from your past, but it does prevent employers or other members of the general public from viewing certain convictions on your record. If you qualify for this process, it could be just the fresh start that you need.

]]> What exactly is expungement?

Expungement is a process by which the court will seal certain criminal convictions on your record from public view. Law enforcement and the court can still view your full criminal record, but potential employers, landlords or educational institutions cannot. This allows thousands of people throughout Ohio to begin again with a clean slate.

Am I eligible to expunge my record?

Before October of last year, Ohio had very narrow qualifications for expungement. Fortunately, the state expanded its expungement law to include unlimited misdemeanors and up to five F4 or F5 felonies. Sexual or violent offenses and felonies above the F3 category are not eligible.

You must also meet certain qualifications to seal your record. In Ohio, you can only apply for expungement if:

You did not serve a mandatory prison sentence for the conviction
You served a mandatory prison sentence, but were eligible for community control or parole
The waiting period before expungement has passed
You do not currently have criminal charges pending

Is expunging my record right for me?

Sealing your record is a legal process that can take a long time. However, it can provide a much-needed clean slate that can help you advance your career, find better housing arrangements and pursue your education. If the criminal convictions of your past have hindered your future, expungement may be right for you.

Weapons crimes and the 2nd Amendment

2019-01-10T17:25:00Z

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms. Even so, there are still numerous weapons crimes for which individuals here in Ohio can face charges. You should know that being charged with a crime does not mean you will get convicted of it. But you need an attorney that knows how to provide the right defense.

Even though the right to bear arms can be restricted under certain circumstances, the government does not always have the right to restrict your right. For instance, if you have been convicted of an offense that stripped you of your right to carry a firearm, you may have the right to get this right back. This matters for people who hunt, or otherwise believe fundamentally in the Right to Bear Arms.

As another example, the Ohio legislature is currently enacting legislation that may help you in your defense, such as the recent Stand Your Ground Law.

If you find yourself being restricted from possessing a firearm, or believe you have acted in self defense for the crime which you are now accused, the time to take action is now. Contact Campbell Law for more information at (614) 356-8515.

]]> The sooner you get the right attorney to take control of your defense, the better the likelihood that you will ultimately regain your Second Amendment rights.

You should know that your Second amendment right is not something that the government can easily take away. And it is something you may be able to get back, even if it was already taken away through a criminal conviction.

If you face charges for weapons crimes that jeopardize your right to bear arms, you should hire the right attorney to challenge the charges you face, and employ a defense that offers you the best possible outcome. Call Campbell Law at (614) 356-8515.