New Laws in Ohio
Ohio`s gun laws still require that a person who owns a firearm be at least 21 years old, that the law does not prohibit the law from possessing firearms under federal or state law (e.g., a convicted felon), and that the person cannot be considered a “fugitive from justice.” Ohio`s gun laws were amended effective June 13, 2022. Ohio is now a “constitutional port” or “port without a license” state when it comes to handguns. What does this new gun law mean in Ohio? This article is informative and should not be considered as direct legal advice. There are complicated exceptions to Ohio`s gun laws, depending on certain situations. In addition, licence-exempt carriers (those who do not have a secret transport licence) are subject to the same laws and prohibitions as CHL licence holders, with one important exception: licence-exempt transporters may NOT carry handguns in their vehicles while driving in a school safety zone. Driving in a school safety zone without an CHL license is a crime under federal and state law. Each state has its own gun laws. A person entering a state is subject to that state`s specific firearms laws. If you have been charged with a crime committed with a firearm, consult with an attorney for specific interpretation of Ohio`s gun laws. Ohio`s new gun law only applies to handguns.
The new law does NOT apply to “long guns” (i.e. , rifles and shotguns). Stowaways who have an “official interaction” with police or other law enforcement agencies – for example, a traffic check – are no longer required to immediately inform the officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun. But if the officer asks you if you carry a gun, you have to answer honestly. Anyone can carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle and that loaded handgun can be stored anywhere in the vehicle. An important exception, as described above, is that an “unlicensed carrier” of a firearm may NOT carry a handgun in their vehicle while driving in a school safety zone. Ohio`s new gun law has no residency requirement — anyone in Ohio, whether resident or not, can hide without a license. Businesses will still be allowed to display signs prohibiting firearms in their homes, such as: in grocery stores and liquor stores, and carrying a hidden weapon in a school building, courthouse or school grounds will continue to be prohibited. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION DIRECTLY AT (513) 929-9333 OR CONTACT US ONLINE.
Anyone who purchases firearms from a licensed firearms dealer must still be screened by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This background check verifies felony convictions, dishonorable military release, and involuntary admission to psychiatric facilities. In short, in Ohio, a person is no longer required to obtain a secret handgun license (CHL) to possess a handgun concealed on their person and/or vehicle. In addition, CHL holders are no longer required to wear their CHL card face down on their body.