Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in Columbus, Ohio
Have you been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon?
The state of Ohio adheres to the constitutionally protected individual right to bear arms. A person may possess or own a firearm without the worry that they will be arrested for doing so.
However, this is not the case for individuals convicted of a felony offense, a convicted felon is not considered to have the same rights as other citizens. Felons are limited in their ability to possess a firearm, as a result, firearm possession by a convicted felon is a serious criminal charge.
With this being the case, there have been many situations where convicted felons have unwittingly broken laws because they do not have a strong comprehension of Ohio firearm policies. Illegal possession of firearms by felons can come with severe penalties that can make the difficult situation of being a previously convicted felon even worse.
Taking the steps necessary to ensure that you are doing everything possible to fix the situation, namely by hiring a capable Columbus criminal defense attorney, one who has direct experience defending felons in possession of a firearm. This will make this process much simpler and less prone to miscalculations.
If you were charged with firearm possession by a convicted felon or someone you love has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation.
Information Center:
- Can You Fight Possession of Firearm by Felon Charges?
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon under Ohio Law
- Talk with a Convicted Felon Firearm Possession Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio
Can You Fight Possession of Firearm by Felon Charges?
Adding to the inconvenience and problems that inevitably come with being a convicted felon is something that everyone should focus on avoiding.
If an issue does arise, such as illegal possession of a firearm by a felon charge, it needs to be met with an aggressive defense that puts you in a favorable position at the outset. Working with a qualified Columbus, Ohio criminal defense attorney will give you the opportunity to effectively argue your case and get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Brian Joslyn, of the Joslyn Law Firm, is a knowledgeable central Ohio attorney who is committed to providing excellent client service while focusing on making certain that your individual rights are protected throughout the entire process.
Call (614) 444-1900 or send an online message to set up a risk-free consultation to go over the specifics of your case with the Joslyn Law Firm today. Brian is proud to represent individuals in the Ohio counties of Delaware, Franklin, Madison, Licking, Fairfield, and Pickaway.
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon under Ohio Law
Being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense in the state of Ohio.
According to ORC §2923.13, no person shall knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance, if any of the following apply:
- The person is a fugitive from justice;
- The person is drug dependent or a chronic alcoholic;
- The person is under adjudication of mental incompetence or has been found by a court to be mentally ill; or
- The person is under indictment for or has been convicted of any felony offense of violence or the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse.
The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is classified as a felony of the third degree. This charge, if convicted, comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.
How Serious Are Felon in Possession of Firearm Charges?
Being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon in Ohio is a serious offense that is classified as a 3rd-degree felony. If convicted, the legal consequences can be significant, including fines of up to $10,000 and a maximum prison term of thirty-six months. It is crucial for individuals with a felony conviction to take all necessary precautions to avoid adding further felonies to their criminal record. Moreover, in addition to the immediate legal penalties, there are also collateral consequences of a felony conviction for firearm possession in Ohio. These can include loss of voting rights, restrictions on employment opportunities, and limitations on obtaining housing or financial assistance. Understanding the gravity of felon in possession of firearm charges and seeking legal counsel if facing such charges is essential to minimize the potential impact on one’s life and future prospects.
What Are the Penalties for Being Charged With Firearm Possession as a Convicted Felon?
If you are charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Ohio, the penalties can be severe. This offense is classified as a felony of the third degree, and a conviction can result in a presumptive sentence of up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. It’s important to be aware that the consequences of a conviction can extend beyond the immediate legal penalties, with long-term repercussions such as restrictions on voting rights, employment opportunities, and housing options. To minimize the potential impact on your life and future prospects, it is crucial to seek legal counsel and vigorously defend against such charges. Taking proactive steps to protect your rights and mount a strong defense is essential when facing firearm possession charges as a convicted felon in Ohio.
Possible Defenses to Possession of a Firearm Felon
In addition to pretrial and trial defenses, there are specific defenses that can be raised in cases of possession of a weapon with a prior felony conviction. These defenses may include:
- Civil Rights Restoration with Firearm Authority – If a person’s civil rights and firearm authority have been restored, they cannot be convicted of this offense under federal law.
- Illegal Search and Seizure – If law enforcement acted beyond the scope of their authority, coerced a search, arrested without probable cause, or obtained a search warrant in bad faith, it may be possible to challenge the legality of the search and seizure in court.
- Substantial Assistance – Although not a defense, providing substantial assistance to law enforcement may be used to reduce the severe penalties that come with a conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon. This usually entails cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of other individuals or criminal activities.
It’s important to understand that the availability and effectiveness of these defenses depend on the specific circumstances of each case. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine the most appropriate defense strategy for your case.
Joslyn Law Firm | Convicted Felon Firearm Possession Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio
If you or a loved one is dealing with possession of a firearm charge in central Ohio, the Joslyn Law Firm is prepared to help you through this difficult process. Committed to preserving your rights as an Ohio and United States citizen, Brian Joslyn can be counted on to provide quality legal representation in what is most likely a stressful point in time for you.
Call (614) 444-1900 to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case in detail with Brian.
Joslyn Law Firm: Gun & Weapon Crimes Attorneys in Columbus, OH
The Joslyn Law Firm proudly represents individuals in and around the central Ohio cities of Ashley, Dublin, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Minerva Park, London, West Jefferson, Pataskala, Utica, Bremen, Lancaster, Circleville, and Ashville.
If you were charged with possession of a weapon with a prior felony conviction or any other gun related charges, our criminal defense attorneys or federal gun charges lawyers are here to help defend your case.
