Firearm prohibitions in Cincinnati, OH, can arise under various state and federal laws, often triggered by specific criminal convictions, domestic violence restraining orders, or mental health adjudications. If you find yourself as a defendant facing charges or restrictions related to firearms possession, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and obligations.
A criminal defense lawyer from our team can examine your situation and determine whether the prohibition is accurate or has been improperly applied. If you’re facing a criminal charge relating to a firearm prohibition in Cincinnati, Ohio, we can help you fight back. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati firearm prohibition lawyer.
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How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Firearm Offenses
If you’re facing a criminal offense related to firearm prohibitions in Cincinnati, OH, our team can help you. Here’s how:
- Our attorneys will carefully review the circumstances of your arrest, analyze any potential evidence against you, and determine whether your rights were violated. If they were, we could file a motion to suppress to have certain evidence excluded, meaning it can’t be used against you.
- We will negotiate with prosecutors to try to get you the best plea deal possible, which could lead to reduced charges and a more lenient sentence.
- If the case goes to trial, we will fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury. We’ll do everything we can to prove your innocence.
For help with a firearm-related charge, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati firearm prohibition attorney.
Overview of Firearm Prohibitions and Offenses Ohio
Ohio law forbids possessing certain weapons, including sawed-off shotguns, “zip guns,” and specific military-style firearms or ammunition. Additionally, individuals who have been convicted of felonies, been found mentally incompetent, or struggled with substance abuse issues are barred from owning firearms. Although firearm sales by federally licensed dealers involve mandatory background checks, private transactions in Ohio currently do not require one.
Certain places, such as police stations, jails, schools, and government buildings, are off-limits to firearms under Ohio law. Guns are also banned in areas regulated by federal statutes and, in most cases, places of worship.
Firearm Age Restrictions and Laws in Ohio
State law sets the minimum age at 18 for purchasing a firearm and 21 for buying a handgun, with some exceptions for law enforcement and active military members. In 2022, Ohio introduced a permitless carry law that allows eligible adults to carry concealed handguns without a license or training.
Violations can have severe legal consequences, including criminal charges and potential penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Violations of Firearm Prohibitions in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Penalties for violating firearm prohibitions in Cincinnati, Ohio, differ depending on factors like the specific offense, severity of circumstances, and your prior criminal history. Below are some of the potential consequences you may face:
- Jail or Prison Time: Depending on the nature of the violation, you could receive a sentence ranging from days in county jail to multiple years in state prison.
- Probation: In some cases, the court may order probation instead of jail time or in addition to it. This usually includes conditions like check-ins with your probation officer, substance abuse treatment, maintaining employment, or community service.
- Fines: Monetary penalties can be substantial, serving both as a punishment and deterrent for future offenses.
- Additional Prohibitions: A criminal conviction can lead to extended or permanent firearm bans, further restricting your right to possess or purchase weapons in the future.
If you need help determining what penalties you’re facing, reach out to our criminal defense team as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Firearm Prohibitions?
Facing charges for a firearm prohibition offense in Cincinnati, Ohio, can be intimidating, but a criminal defense lawyer may be able to challenge the prosecution in several ways. Below are some common defenses that could be raised, depending on the facts of your case:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: If you did not know or intend to possess a prohibited firearm, your attorney may argue that you lacked the criminal intent required for a conviction. For example, if you borrowed a car and were unaware of a weapon hidden inside, this could lead to an acquittal.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: Law enforcement must follow legal protocols when searching your person, home, or vehicle. If your defense team can show that officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting a search without probable cause, all evidence obtained from that search may be excluded, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.
- Firearm Not Yours: In some cases, a firearm might be found in a shared space, leading officers to wrongly assume it belongs to you. If evidence suggests you don’t have rightful ownership or accessibility to the weapon, your attorney can argue that you are being falsely accused.
If you have been arrested for a firearm prohibition offense, our legal team is prepared to evaluate the circumstances of your case and build a solid defense to protect your rights.
Facing a firearm-related charge in Cincinnati, OH, can be overwhelming, and it’s crucial to have a legal professional who will fight for your rights. We are prepared to walk you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your options every step of the way.
We will carefully analyze the evidence and identify potential defenses to give you the best chance at beating the case. No matter what type of charge you’re facing, we are here to help. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati firearm prohibition lawyer.
