FIREARM POSSESSION ATTORNEY SERVING CLIENTS IN TOLEDO, OHIO
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects your right to bear arms. However, this important constitutional right does not come without restrictions. There are many laws and regulations that you must follow when carrying or possessing a gun in the state of Ohio.
It is imperative that gun owners have a basic understanding of their rights and responsibilities. The unlawful possession of a firearm could result in very serious criminal charges. In some cases, an arrest for unlawful possession could even result in a person facing a felony charge that comes with the potential for substantial jail time.
At Groth & Associates, our top-rated unlawful firearm possession lawyers in Toledo are committed advocates for clients. We have the skills and experience required to handle the full range of weapons charges and firearm charges. If you or your family member was arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm in Lucas County, Ohio, please contact our Toledo law office for immediate assistance.
For a free legal consultation with a firearm possession lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030
UNDERSTANDING WEAPONS POSSESSION CHARGES IN OHIO
Unlawful weapons possession cases are notoriously complex. If you or your loved one is facing a firearms charge in Ohio, you need to speak to an experienced Toledo criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. There is no time to wait to take action. Your lawyer can review the specific charges against you in order to determine the best course of action in building in a legal defense strategy. As a general rule, unlawful firearm possession charges in Ohio fit into one of the following three categories:
- No One is Allowed to Carry the Weapon: There are certain firearms that are simply banned in our state. Under Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code §§ 2923.17) the following firearms cannot be possessed by members of the general public in any circumstance: fully automatic rifles, prohibited explosives, sawed off shotguns, rocket launchers, and zip guns. If you are in possession of a prohibited weapon, you could face a very serious criminal charge.
- You Specifically are Not Allowed to Carry the Weapon: Under Ohio law, certain people are prevented from possessing otherwise wholly legal firearms. For example, our state’s regulations (Ohio Revised Code §§ 2923.13) strictly prohibit convicted felons from possessing a gun. Others are prevented from possessing firearms as well, including drug addicts and people who have been deemed mentally incompetent.
- You Carried the Weapon In a Prohibited Area: Finally, there are certain places where members of the general public cannot legally bring their firearm. Even if you have a valid concealed carry permit, there are certain places where you simply cannot legally possess your weapon. Some examples of firearm restricted places include public schools, courthouses, and government buildings. There are also some establishments, such as bars, where you may be able to bring a concealed weapon, but you generally cannot openly carry a firearm.
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PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL WEAPON POSSESSION IN OHIO
WHILE PERSONAL INJURIES ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ACCIDENTS, THEY ARE OFTEN THE RESULT OF ANOTHER PERSON’S RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT CONDUCT.
The penalties for the unlawful possession of a firearm can vary dramatically. The key factors will be the specific allegations being raised by law enforcement/the prosecution and the background of the defendant. In certain cases, unlawful possession may be charged as a misdemeanor offense. Though, to be clear, there really is no such thing as a minor firearms possession charge.
Generally, the least serious firearms possession charge is one involving allegations that the defendant unlawfully possessed a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit. This is typically a first degree misdemeanor offense. It can carry a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a 1,000 fine.
Other firearms possession charges are far more serious. For example, if you are a convicted felon, and you are charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, you are likely to face a third degree felony. This crime generally carries the maximum sentence of up to five years in jail along with a fine of up to $10,000.
The bottom line: A conviction for the unlawful possession of a firearm in Ohio will often lead to jail time. It could also lead to the loss of certain rights, including your right to lawfully carry a firearm in the future. If you have been arrested for illegally possessing any type of weapon in Northwest Ohio, it is imperative that you consult with a Toledo criminal defense lawyer immediately.
HOW CAN A TOLEDO UNLAWFUL FIREARM POSSESSION ATTORNEY HELP
Firearms and other weapons-related criminal charges require a personalized attention from a qualified Ohio defense lawyer. Your defense attorney will be able to conduct a careful review of the specific circumstances that led to your arrest and the charges being filed against you. Of course, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. It is incumbent on the prosecution to prove all of the elements of the specific firearms possession crime that you were arrested for with compelling and persuasive evidence. If the evidence does not support such a charge, the case against you should be dismissed.
Our Toledo criminal defense lawyers know how to protect the best interests of our clients. In some cases, we fight back aggressively against false or trumped up charges. You should not be punished for a crime that you did not commit. In other cases, our legal team works to negotiate with prosecutors in order to reduce the potential punishment that our clients will face. In these cases, we often focus on ensuring that our client will avoid jail time or any other adverse long-term impacts that could come with a criminal conviction. Ultimately, the best legal defense strategy for your unlawful gun possession charge will depend entirely on the specific facts of your case.
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WERE YOU ARRESTED FOR UNLAWFUL FIREARMS POSSESSION IN TOLEDO, OHIO?
We can help. At Groth & Associates, our aggressive Ohio criminal defense lawyers have experience extensive representing defendants facing weapons & firearms charges. If you or your loved one was arrested for unlawful firearm possession, you need to take immediate action.
To arrange a fully confidential criminal defense consultation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm today. With an office in the heart of Toledo, we handle weapons possession charges in Lucas County and throughout the surrounding communities.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form