Simone Lawson
As of June 13, 2022, Ohio is officially a permitless carry or constitutional carry state. This means that Ohio residents aged 21 or older are no longer required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to have a handgun in their car or on their person. However, it is important to note that constitutional carry laws do not allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon everywhere they go, and there may still be locations or instances where carrying a concealed weapon could result in criminal charges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry laws | In effect as of June 13, 2022 |
| Concealed carry permit requirement | Not required, but available |
| Minimum age to carry a concealed weapon | 21 |
| Carrying a weapon in a school safety zone | Not allowed without a CHL |
| Carrying a weapon in a vehicle | Not addressed in the Constitutional Carry bill, but allowed |
| Disclosure requirements when carrying a weapon | No obligation to disclose, but must answer truthfully if asked by police |
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What You'll Learn
Ohio's new constitutional carry laws
Where You Can Carry
The new laws do not permit carrying a handgun within a vehicle when entering a school safety zone. Additionally, businesses are still allowed to prohibit firearms within their establishments. It is also important to understand the laws of the state you are travelling to before carrying a concealed weapon there.
Police Interactions
While you are not legally obligated to disclose that you are carrying a handgun when stopped by the police, you are required by law to answer truthfully if asked. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $1,000 and 180 days in county jail.
Criminal Charges
While Ohio now follows constitutional carry laws, there are still instances where criminal charges can be brought for possessing a firearm. For example, if you make a mistake on your gun application, or if you are found in violation of concealed carry laws, you could face criminal charges.
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Concealed carry permits
Ohio's new constitutional carry laws, also known as "permitless carry", have removed the legal obligation for gun owners to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a concealed weapon. This means that any Ohio resident aged 21 or older who has not been prohibited from carrying a firearm can do so without a permit.
Despite this, concealed carry permits are still available in Ohio, and the Ohio Attorney General recommends obtaining a CHL for safety instruction, training experience, and the ability to carry in other states. To obtain a CHL, an individual must complete eight hours of firearms training and meet other criteria to qualify. Current and former servicemen and women can obtain a CHL without paying a fee or attending a concealed carry class. Additionally, active-duty military personnel with valid identification and documentation of successful firearms training that meets or exceeds Ohio's requirements are exempt from obtaining an Ohio CHL.
While the constitutional carry laws allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, there are still restrictions on where these weapons can be carried. For example, permitless carriers are not allowed to carry a handgun within their vehicle when entering a school safety zone, but they are allowed to keep a firearm in their vehicle outside of a school safety zone. Additionally, businesses are permitted to prohibit firearms within their establishments.
It is important to note that even with the constitutional carry laws in place, individuals can still face criminal charges for possessing a firearm in certain circumstances. For instance, failing to inform a police officer that you are carrying a weapon after being asked is a violation of the law and can result in fines and jail time.
Criminal charges for possessing a firearm
Ohio is a permitless carry or constitutional carry state, meaning that gun owners are not required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to have a firearm on their person or in their vehicle. However, Ohio residents must be at least 21 years old to legally possess a firearm and there are still places where carrying a firearm is prohibited, such as school safety zones.
Ohio law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms due to their criminal history or other factors that may pose a danger to society. These individuals include:
- Those who have been indicted, convicted, or adjudicated for a violent felony or a felony drug offense
- Fugitives from justice
- Individuals who are drug dependent, in danger of drug dependence, or chronic alcoholics
- Those who have been deemed mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
- Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is a third-degree felony in Ohio, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If an individual is found in violation of concealed carry laws, they may face criminal charges, typically a misdemeanor but potentially a felony depending on the circumstances.
It is important to note that Ohio's gun laws are complex and subject to change, so seeking legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney is recommended if there are any questions or concerns about firearm possession or related charges.
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Permitless carry laws
Ohio's new constitutional carry laws, also known as permitless carry laws, came into effect on June 13, 2022. This means that Ohio residents aged 21 and over are no longer required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a handgun in their vehicle or on their person.
While Ohio's permitless carry laws allow residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, there are still places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited. For example, permitless carriers cannot carry a firearm into a school safety zone, which includes schools, school buildings, school premises, school activities, and school buses. Doing so is a felony under state and federal law. Additionally, businesses are still allowed to prohibit firearms within their establishments.
It is important to note that even with the new constitutional carry laws in place, there are still instances in which Ohio residents could face criminal charges for possessing a firearm. For example, if a police officer asks if you are carrying a weapon, you are required by law to answer truthfully. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in county jail.
Ohio gun charge lawyers
As of June 13, 2022, Ohio is officially a "permitless carry" or "constitutional carry" state. This means that Ohio residents aged 21 or older can carry a concealed weapon without a permit or a concealed handgun license (CHL) unless they have been prohibited from doing so.
However, constitutional carry laws do not allow you to carry a concealed weapon everywhere you go. For instance, you may not carry a concealed handgun into a school safety zone unless you have a CHL and leave the gun locked in your vehicle.
If you are accused of violating Ohio's firearm laws, you should contact a gun crime lawyer immediately. A gun crime lawyer will be your best resource to deal with Columbus firearm offenses, and they can work to build a strong defense to reduce or avoid penalties related to gun possession charges.
- Luftman, Heck & Associates: (614) 500-3836 or (513) 338-1890
- Joslyn Law Firm: (513) 399-6289
- Columbus Criminal Attorney (LHA): (614) 444-1900 or (614) 500-3836
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ohio is a constitutional carry state.
Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, means that Ohio residents are not required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to have a gun on them or in their car.
No, a permit is not required. However, there are still laws in place that limit the areas in which you can carry a concealed weapon.
