Pickerington Weapons Crime Lawyer

Weapons crimes can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you are charged with an alleged gun or weapons offense, now is the time to secure the aggressive legal representation you deserve from a seasoned criminal defense attorney.

As your Pickerington weapons crime lawyer, I can provide critical legal defense for individuals facing charges related to firearms and other weapons. I can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, protect your rights, and build a strong defense strategy that picks apart the prosecutor’s claims.

What Are Commonly Charged Weapons Crimes?

Gun-related crimes are primarily defined in Chapter 2923 of the Ohio Revised Code, covering offenses like carrying concealed weapons, possessing dangerous ordnance, and possessing weapons under disability. Violations can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

• Carrying concealed weapons: Ohio law, specifically Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.12 prohibits knowingly carrying a concealed deadly weapon, a handgun, or dangerous ordnance without a permit. A basic violation of the state’s concealed carry law might initially be charged as a misdemeanor, but aggravating factors like prior convictions, the type of weapon, the location of the offense, and/or behavior during police interactions can escalate the offense to a felony with more severe consequences.
• Weapons under disability: Ohio law restricts firearm ownership for individuals with certain prior convictions or other legal disabilities (e.g., felony convictions, certain mental health adjudications). Possessing a weapon while under disability is a felony offense.
• Dangerous Ordnance: Ohio law defines “dangerous ordnance” broadly and prohibits its unlawful possession, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, military, and those registered under federal law. Examples of dangerous ordnance include automatic firearms, sawed-off firearms, and certain firearm parts. Crimes involving dangerous ordnance are generally felonies.
• Using weapons while intoxicated: Carrying or using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this is a misdemeanor.
• Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle: This involves situations where a firearm is not properly secured or is accessible within a vehicle, and can be either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the situation.
• Possessing a defaced firearm: It is illegal to possess a firearm with altered or removed identifying marks. This offense is generally a misdemeanor but can be upgraded to a felony in some cases.
• Improperly furnishing firearms to a minor: Providing firearms to individuals under the legal age (18 for most firearms, 21 for handguns) is a felony crime.

Penalties for weapons crimes in Pickerington can include imprisonment, fines, and other consequences like loss of voting or gun rights. Felony convictions can have a significant impact on a person’s life beyond the immediate legal penalties.

Ohio law provides for exceptions to certain prohibitions, such as those related to law enforcement, military personnel, and those with valid licenses. It is crucial to consult with a Pickerington attorney to understand the specific laws and potential consequences related to any gun-related charge.

Defending Your Legal Rights Against Weapons Charges

If facing weapons charges, do not wait to talk with an experienced Pickerington attorney like myself who has extensive experience successfully defending clients accused of such offenses. The right defense strategy will be very specific to the facts of your individual case.

Self-defense is one potential defense. Ohio’s “Stand Your Ground” law can be a defense to a weapons charge if the use of the firearm was in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of one’s residence. Similar to self-defense, using a weapon to protect property from unlawful intrusion or attack may be justified.

If evidence, including the weapon itself, is obtained through an unlawful search or seizure (without a warrant or probable cause), it may be suppressed. The prosecution must prove all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is lacking or weak, I can challenge the case.

Mistaken identity can be a defense, especially in situations involving multiple individuals or unclear circumstances. If the prosecution cannot prove the intent to harm or use the weapon unlawfully, this can be a defense. In certain gun-related cases, the item in question may not meet the legal definition of a firearm, or it may be defective or inoperable.

Talk with a Pickerington Gun Crime Attorney Now

I have over 25 years of criminal defense experience and remain committed to protecting the rights of gun owners and individuals charged with weapons violations in Ohio. My wide-ranging experience as a Pickerington weapons crime lawyer allows me to undertake extensive investigations beyond the legal aspects of your case, applying my knowledge of forensics and related scientific processes to weapons charges. I possess a Ph.D. in criminology and certifications in specific legal areas like DNA evidence, which I can leverage in building a defense.

I can investigate the facts of your case, identify potential errors or inconsistencies, and prepare a strong defense strategy. I understand how to negotiate with prosecutors to explore options such as reduced charges or penalties, but also have the trial skills and courtroom presence to defend you before judges and juries. Call today to learn more about your legal rights and options in a free case consultation.