Columbus Weapons Offense Attorney

Aggressive Defense Law Firm for Weapons Charges

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, our attorneys have handled a variety of criminal cases for more than 15 years. We have represented a number of clients facing weapons charges and we are well educated in the tactics used by the prosecution in building cases, having served as prosecutors in the past.

Contact the professionals at The Meranda Law Firm LTD today to schedule a consultation with a Columbus weapons offense attorney.

The Ohio Revised Code, Title [29] Chapter 2923: Conspiracy, Attempt and Complicity; Weapons Control; Corrupt Activity explains the laws concerning weapons. It lays out in detail the many elements of weapons violations and definitions of weapons control in Section 2923.11. In essence, a deadly weapon is:

"Any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specifically adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon."

Code violations related to the use or concealment of weapons is a serious crime. Illegal sales and weapons trafficking are major crimes, often filed in federal court.

Common Weapons

Firearms are the most used weapons and that category includes any type of handgun, semi-automatic, sawed-off firearm, zip gun and others. Added to the weapons list is any type of explosive device, incendiary device, dangerous ordnance, or ballistic knife. It is a significant offense to carry or have at hand any of these weapons in a school safety zone or to use them while intoxicated.

Penalties for Weapons Offenses

It is a violation to carry a concealed weapon unless you are in possession of a proper and valid current license allowing that for your job or some other reason. A person cannot have a concealed dangerous ordnance, handgun, or any other of the deadly weapons described in the criminal codes. If a police officer stops you and you have a concealed weapon on you or ready at hand, you must tell the officer and keep your hands in clear sight at all times. Weapons offenses are usually as follows:

• 1^st degree misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and maximum $1,000 fines
• 4^th degree felony – 6-18 months in prison and maximum $5,000 fines

An offense can quickly escalate from a 1^st degree misdemeanor to a 4^th degree felony depending on specific circumstances. It is a 3^rd degree felony to have a concealed weapon on an aircraft. Criminal charges can increase drastically if it is alleged that the weapon caused the death of another individual, or caused substantial bodily harm, or during an armed robbery.