Improperly Handling Firearms in a Vehicle
Ohio criminal law is clear: firearms offenses are serious crimes. One possible firearms offense is improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Even if you lawfully possess a firearm or even have a concealed carry permit, you can still be accused of failing to handle or transport your firearm in a lawful manner.
Ohio grants gun rights, but the law also allows for harsh penalties for both licensed and unlicensed gun owners who violate weapons laws. If you face these gun crime charges, you could face fines, possible jail time, and the loss of your concealed carry license. Any type of gun crime conviction on your record can also cause challenges in your life, family, and career for years to come.
Prosecutors in Ohio are notorious for aggressively pursuing gun crime charges. But you don’t have to face the justice system alone or accept the penalties of a conviction. Let our criminal defense attorneys scour the evidence and stand up to the prosecution on your behalf. Joslyn Law Firm knows how to investigate your case, negotiate sentencing, and handle a trial to defend people in situations like yours. We’re ready to use those skills to help protect your freedom.
Get a Top Criminal Law Firm to Defend You Against Firearms Charges in Ohio
At Joslyn Law Firm, we bring our 50+ years of collective experience to give you the aggressive representation you deserve. When professionals, students, police officers, and even celebrities need legal help, they call on us. Our gun crime defense team in Ohio is known as top criminal lawyers in Ohio. Here’s why:
- Columbus CEO Magazine called Brian Joslyn a Top Lawyer
- The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys called us one of the 10 Best Criminal Defense Firms in Ohio
- The National Trial Lawyers called us one of the country’s Top 25 Criminal Trial Lawyers
Those accolades are based on the standard that matters most: results for our clients. Our team is proud to list the following victories among the more than 15,000 criminal cases we’ve taken on:
- The charge: Weapons under disability. They had a felony record. The outcome: Probation and no prison time.
- The charge: Illegal possession of a firearm at a local bar. The outcome: The prosecutor agreed to a lesser charge and probation—no prison time.
At Joslyn Law Firm, we know how to defend against charges of improperly handling firearms in a vehicle. We will identify every possible opportunity for your defense. Call our office at (614) 444-1900 or contact us online to discuss how we might help in your firearms case.
Information Center for Improperly Handling Firearms in a Vehicle
Review the sections below for important information regarding this specific firearms charge in Ohio. For questions about your specific situation and charges, please contact Joslyn Law Firm directly.
Rights and Restrictions for Gun Ownership and Transportation in Ohio
Ohio legislators have always taken your gun ownership rights extremely seriously. In fact, the Ohio Constitution also reinforces this right on the state level. Ohio wants people to be able to own firearms to defend themselves when needed. Laws are in place to prevent firearms from being used offensively or carelessly. Every person who possesses a firearm in Ohio should be aware of any unlawful activities that could lead to criminal charges.
No Permits Required to Possess Firearms
Ohio has very few restrictions when it comes to purchasing or possessing a firearm. In most cases, you will only have to do the following to purchase a firearm:
- Show proof that you are at least 18 years old if you are purchasing a shotgun or rifle, or 21 years old if you are purchasing a handgun
- Show proof of residency in Ohio for certain types of weapons
If you are purchasing a firearm from a vendor who is federally-licensed, you will need to undergo a criminal background check and complete Form 4473 provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Unless there is a possible issue with a background check, there is no waiting period for firearm purchases. You can take your new gun home that same day, and there is no need to register it with the state.
Individuals who may not own firearms under Ohio law include:
- Those with convictions of a violent felony or felony drug offense
- People who are dependent on drugs or alcohol
- Individuals determined to be mentally incompetent or who are involuntarily committed
- Fugitives of justice
- People who are subject to certain restraining orders
Additional federal restrictions might also apply, such as being dishonorably discharged, being unlawfully present in the U.S., having convictions for domestic violence, and more.
Open Carry and Vehicle Transport
Lawful gun owners are allowed to openly carry their weapons in permitted places. You can also transport your firearm by motor vehicle if you comply with the following:
- The firearm is not loaded
- The firearm is transported in a closed box, package, or case OR it is in a place in the vehicle that you cannot access without exiting the vehicle (like a trunk or cargo carrier), OR it is secured in a gun rack or holder and is in plain view
Employees can also keep guns stored in their vehicles while they are inside the workplace. You may not, however, openly carry your weapon into businesses or other private property if there is signage that clearly prohibits firearms. You may not carry gun on a premises licensed to served beer or liquor, either.
Concealed Carry Licenses and Vehicle Transport
If you want to engage in concealed carry of a firearm, you must apply for a license in Ohio. Ohio is a “shall issue” state, which means that you will receive a permit so long as you meet the qualifications and complete the application process. When you have a concealed carry license, you are allowed to transport a loaded weapon on your person while you are in a motor vehicle.
However, if you are stopped by law enforcement officers for any reason at all, you are required to do all of the following:
- Promptly tell the officer who approaches your vehicle that you have a concealed carry license and are carrying a loaded firearm
- Comply with any orders by the officer that are lawful
- Keep your hands in plain sight unless the officer tells you otherwise
- Remain in your vehicle unless the officer tells you otherwise
- Do not attempt to touch your firearm in any manner
These are the responsibilities of anyone with a concealed carry license, and if you fail to adhere to the law, you can be arrested and charged with a crime.
Criminal Charges for Improperly Handling a Firearm in a Vehicle
There is a specific criminal offense titled “Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle,” and the law restricts how you can and cannot transport, access, or use a firearm in a car. Specifically, the law prohibits any of the following:
- Possessing a firearm when you are not lawfully permitted to do so
- Improperly discharging a firearm while on or in a motor vehicle
- Transporting a loaded firearm that is accessible to the driver or passengers from inside the vehicle (without a concealed carry license)
- Transporting an unloaded firearm that is not in a proper enclosed in a case or box, stowed in an area accessible from outside the vehicle, or in a rack in plain sight
- Transporting a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while there is alcohol or drugs detectable in their system that would prohibit them from driving
- Failing to inform law enforcement that you are a concealed carry permit holder in possession of a loaded gun in the vehicle
There are exceptions to the law, however. For example, it is not unlawful to discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle in the following situations:
- You are lawfully discharging your gun at a groundhog or coyote as long as it is not during deer-hunting season
- The motor vehicle is on agricultural property in an unincorporated area, and the person discharging the weapon is the property owner or their spouse, child, or tenant
- The person discharging the firearm is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they do not have a prior firearms conviction, and they do not discharge the weapon toward property with an occupied structure or used for vehicular traffic
Unless the above exceptions apply, you should never discharge a firearm within or from your motor vehicle (also see improper discharge of a firearm in Ohio). Doing this or improperly transporting a firearm can result in your immediate arrest and serious criminal charges that have many possible penalties.
Penalties for an Ohio Conviction of Improperly Handling a Firearm in a Vehicle
The charges and penalties you might face for violating this provision of Ohio law will depend on the nature of the allegations against you. For example:
Improper transport of a firearm in a vehicle = This is generally a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge. Penalties for a conviction can include $250 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.
Mishandling a firearm in a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs = This violation can be either a fifth-degree felony or fourth-degree felony charge. Fifth-degree felony convictions can mean $2,500 in fines and six to 12 months in jail. A fourth-degree felony conviction can mean $$5,000 in fines and six to 18 months of imprisonment.
Discharging a firearm from a vehicle = This is often considered to be the most serious violation of this weapons law, and is generally charged as a fourth-degree felony, which means a possible 18 months in prison and $5,000 fine.
In many cases, the right gun crime defense attorney can seek a reduced sentence, such as probation instead of time in jail. We can also determine when charges were wrongful and fight to get a dismissal or acquittal. If you have been arrested, you should not wait to call the Joslyn Law Firm so that we can get started on your defense.
Collateral Penalties of Firearm Convictions in Ohio
If you are convicted of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle, your court-imposed sentence may include paying fines, serving probation, or serving a jail sentence. Once your sentence is complete, you may want to leave your criminal case behind you and move on with your life. Unfortunately, having a conviction on your criminal record can cause problems in your life for many years after your case is closed.
Criminal convictions have many possible collateral consequences in addition to penalties imposed by the criminal court. While felony convictions have the most serious collateral consequences, you can also feel the effects of a misdemeanor conviction. Some ways that having a criminal record with a firearm conviction can impact your life might include:
- Prohibitions from purchasing, possessing, or carrying firearms in the future
- Loss of your concealed carry license
- Loss of your voting rights during your sentence for a felony conviction
- Losing your job
- Trouble getting hired for a new job
- Suspension or expulsion from educational programs
- Disqualification from certain educational programs
- The suspension, revocation, or denial of a professional license
- Ineligibility to receive public benefits or federal financial aid
- Disqualification from public office
- Challenges being approved to rent housing
- Losing your rights to child custody or visitation
- Change in your immigration status, including possible removal and deportation proceedings
Each person will experience different collateral consequences that can be harmful and cause difficulty in the future. This is why it is imperative to always prevent a conviction whenever you can. It is important to fight against your charges with a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side. At the Joslyn Law Firm, our goal is always to minimize or eliminate the effects of a criminal case on the lives of our clients.
Evidence We Can Use in an Improperly Handling Firearms in a Vehicle Charge
The goal of our criminal defense is to show that you are not guilty of the crime as charged. We can also aim to show that procedural issues with your case should invalidate the case against you.
So, our attorneys will gather evidence to show the weakness in the prosecution’s case, such as:
- Records showing that the gun or the vehicle belonged to someone else
- Evidence to show that the officer did not have probable cause to stop you or search your vehicle
- Eyewitness statements of police misconduct
- Records of procedural issues with evidence processing
- Photos, videos, police records, witness statements, or other evidence that you carried the firearm in self-defense
- Records showing that you have a valid concealed carry license
- Evidence of testing error or flawed results in the case of a DUI charge
Depending on the nature of your charges, we could use other forms of evidence in your defense. Read on to find out more about possible defenses we can bring in the section below.
Defenses to Charges of Improperly Handling a Firearm in a Vehicle in Ohio
Each gun crime case is unique, so a defense strategy will need to be developed based on the circumstances of your specific case. It is important to have one of our gun crime defense lawyers evaluate the allegations against you and facts set forth by law enforcement officers. We can then determine any and all possible ways to defend against your charges of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle. Some possible defenses to this charge might include the following.
You did not know about the firearm.
The law makes it illegal to “knowingly” discharge a firearm from a vehicle or to “knowingly” improperly transport a firearm or possess a firearm in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As with many criminal offenses, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew of your actions in order to get a conviction. For this reason, it can be a successful defense to sufficiently challenge the knowledge requirement.
This might apply if you were a passenger in a vehicle and did not know about the presence of a firearm that was being improperly transported. This is especially true if you are a passenger in a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is not a crime to ride in a vehicle while you are drunk, though it would be if you were in a car with a loaded handgun. Not knowing about the handgun in the car can be a defense in this type of situation.
The firearm is not operable.
Courts in Ohio have ruled that when a firearm is not in operable condition, it is not a “deadly weapon” for the purposes of the law. This means that gun restrictions under Ohio laws do not apply to inoperable firearms. As long as a firearm may not be made operable, you can transport it in your vehicle.
Law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights.
Often, in order to find firearms in a vehicle, police officers must conduct a search of the vehicle. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives you the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, and this applies to vehicle searches. There are limited circumstances in which an officer can search your car without a warrant or your consent. If the officer searches your car without legal justification, it can be critical to your defense.
Any evidence resulting from an illegal search is considered to be “fruit of the poisonous tree,” and it should not be used against you in a criminal case. The right defense attorney can identify when your rights were violated and can petition the court to suppress evidence found in the illegal search. If that evidence includes the firearm in question, the prosecutor will no longer be able to present evidence that you had a firearm in the vehicle. This can result in a dismissal of your firearm charges.
You discharged your weapon in self-defense.
If your charges stem from the discharge of your firearm from a motor vehicle, you might be able to assert self-defense to fight against your charges. Self-defense only applies in certain situations, and it can be difficult to prove. If you were acting in self-defense, you should immediately contact a highly experienced gun crime defense attorney.
You are authorized by law to use force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. However, in order to use deadly force – such as by firing a gun – you must be in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury or fatal harm. If someone is only trying to hit you with their fist, you generally may not use a firearm in self-defense.
There is an exception to the deadly force rule when it involves your home or motor vehicle, however. Ohio adheres to the Castle Doctrine, which is a law that presumes self-defense if you act with deadly force against someone who was unlawfully trying to enter your home or vehicle. Therefore, if you were in your car and someone tried to get in without your permission, you may likely claim self-defense if you discharged a firearm to try to stop them.
The above are only some examples of possible defenses in cases involving improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle charges. To best determine the appropriate defense strategy in your case, you should speak with one of our criminal defense attorneys at the Joslyn Law Firm as soon as possible.
Commonly Asked Gun Questions about Improperly Handling a Firearm in a Vehicle
Q. What firearms are governed under the law?
A. Under Ohio law, firearms can include handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The law also regulates deadly weapons, which is an instrument that can be used to inflict death, or something that can be adapted and carried to be used as a weapon that can inflict death. This not only includes firearms, but also knives, explosives, and other objects if they are used in a violent manner to inflict serious harm.
Q. When can you possess a firearm in Ohio?
A. You can face improper use of a firearm in a motor vehicle charges if you are not allowed to possess a firearm, to begin with. While there are few restrictions on firearm possession and purchase in Ohio, you may not lawfully possess a firearm if any of the following are true:
- You have a conviction of a violent felony or felony drug crime
- You are a fugitive of justice
- You have certain restraining orders against you
- You are dependent on drugs or alcohol
- You were deemed mentally incompetent by a court or were involuntarily committed
- Additional federal restrictions apply to your situation, including dishonorable discharge from the military, unlawful presence in the U.S., domestic violence convictions, and more
Q. Can I transport an unloaded firearm in my vehicle?
A. You are allowed to transport an unloaded firearm in your vehicle so long as it is properly enclosed in a box or case, stowed in a place that drivers and passengers cannot immediately access, or stored in a gun rack in plain sight.
Q. Can I transport a loaded firearm in my vehicle?
A. If you open carry, a loaded firearm must be locked away in a compartment that people inside the vehicle cannot access without exiting the vehicle. For example, you could transport a loaded firearm in a locked truck. If you have a concealed carry license, you may transport the loaded firearm on your person, as long as you follow proper rules when approached by law enforcement. You may never, however, transport a loaded firearm while you are under the influence of alcohol.
Q. What acts are unlawful regarding firearms and vehicles?
A. There are numerous acts that can get you in trouble with the law when it comes to firearms and vehicles. These can include improper transportation of a firearm, possessing a firearm when you are not permitted to do so, discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, and more.
Q. Can I ever discharge a firearm in a motor vehicle?
A. While you generally may not discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle, Ohio law does give you the right to defend yourself in your vehicle. The Castle Doctrine law allows you to use deadly force to protect yourself or others from someone who is intruding on your vehicle and presents the imminent fear of harm.
In addition to self-defense, you may discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle in the following situations:
- The motor vehicle is on agricultural property in an unincorporated area, and the person discharging the weapon is the property owner or their spouse, child, or tenant
- You are lawfully discharging your gun at a groundhog or coyote as long as it is not during deer-hunting season
- The person discharging the firearm is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they do not have a prior firearms conviction, and they do not discharge the weapon toward property with an occupied structure or used for vehicular traffic
Q. What happens if I am charged with improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle?
A. If law enforcement officers believe you violated this provision of Ohio law, you can be arrested, and law enforcement can seize your firearm. You might then face criminal charges, which might range from fourth-degree misdemeanor charges to fourth-degree felony charges, depending on the specific allegations against you. You will need to go through the criminal process, and you will have the opportunity to defend yourself. It is critical to have the right defense representation to prevent wrongful convictions or to reduce the consequences you face.
Q. What are the penalties for a conviction of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle?
A. The possible penalties for this type of conviction will depend on the degree of charges against you. Penalties can range as follows:
- Fines from $250 to $5,000
- 30 days to 18 months of imprisonment
As you can see, the penalties can be very different depending on which provision of this law you are accused of violating.
Q. Can I get a weapon back after it is seized by law enforcement?
A. If the police seize your weapon upon an arrest, it can be very difficult to get it back. The prosecutor will likely use the firearm as evidence in your case to seek a conviction. Even if you are not convicted or were never even charged due to a Castle Doctrine justification, you will likely still find it difficult to regain your rightfully owned firearm unless you have the help of a criminal defense attorney.
Q. How do I learn more about firearm dos and don’ts in Ohio?
A. To avoid criminal charges, you should always understand exactly what is allowed under the law and what your gun rights are. There are informational sites online where you can read more about your firearm rights, and you can always seek the counsel of an experienced firearms defense attorney, especially if you have been arrested or charged with a crime.
Q. What can an Ohio gun crime defense lawyer do in my case?
A. If you are charged with improper use of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a skilled gun crime defense lawyer can help in many ways, including:
- Evaluate the circumstances of your arrest
- Examine the specific allegations against you
- Determine whether your actions were justified under the law
- Challenge the evidence and assertions of the prosecution
- Present applicable defenses to the court
- Negotiate to have your charges dropped or reduced
- Represent you at trial when necessary
Each case is different, and you should always contact the Joslyn Law Firm directly to discuss your particular charges with an experienced firearms defense lawyer.
Q. Should I Hire an Attorney for My Firearms Case?
A. You may want to have a lawyer help you with your firearms case. After all, these are criminal cases. A simple mistake in handling your case could have long-term consequences, such as jail time. We don’t recommend that you try to handle your firearms case on your own.
Q. Can My Charges Get Dropped?
A. In some cases, our team can help defendants get their charges dropped. However, we cannot guarantee an outcome in every case. We will investigate the evidence against you and work hard to secure the best possible outcome. We can also work with the prosecutor to reduce your potential charges and penalties if we cannot get your charges dropped entirely.
Resources in Ohio about Improperly Handling a Firearm in a Vehicle
Knowing the proper resources regarding improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle can help you stay in full compliance with the law, as well as understand what to do if you are arrested. This includes understanding your rights and obligations regarding firearm transportation with a concealed carry license.
The following are only some examples of available resources and, if you have questions or concerns about your own specific situation, contact the Joslyn Law Firm directly right away.
- Relevant laws that can help you understand this particular charge and possible violations include:
- ORC 2923.16 – Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
- ORC 2923.16 – Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
- ORC 1547.69 – Firearm prohibitions.
- ORC 2923.12 – Carrying concealed weapons.
- ORC 2923.126 – Duties of licensed individual.
- ORC 2923.128 – Suspension and revocation of license.
- ORC 2923.13 – Having weapons while under disability.
- ORC 2923.14 – Relief from weapons disability.
- ORC 2923.15 – Using weapons while intoxicated.
- USA Carry is a resource that provides many different articles relating to concealed carry and other weapons-related topics.
- The Buckeye Firearms Association is a comprehensive resource online for gun owners and potential owners. It provides information on concealed carry, gun education, legislation in Ohio, gun-related events, and much more.
- Ohioans for Concealed Carry is a membership organization that provides articles and information related to CCW laws and possible policy changes in Ohio. There are also online forums discussing various concealed carry issues.
- The Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides an online copy of the Official Concealed Carry Laws and License Application Manual for the State of Ohio. The office also provides detailed information about concealed carry reciprocity agreements between Ohio and other states.
- The Sheriff’s Offices across the state provide more information about concealed carry:
Furthermore, the firearm defense lawyers at the Joslyn Law Firm are here to be an additional resource for those who are arrested and facing firearms charges, or who simply have questions about offenses and their rights. Contact our office today for a consultation about any charges you might be facing.
State of Ohio v. Dalton C. Kay
In 2021, Dalton C. Kay received a conviction for improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Kay had been driving the wrong way on the highway, exited the highway ramp in the wrong direction, and sped to a truck stop to park. When police approached the vehicle, Kay showed many signs of intoxication and resisted exiting the car. When police searched for his identification, they found a loaded .9mm semi-automatic pistol in plain view.
The defendant filed a motion to suppress the gun as evidence, which was denied. He then pleaded no contest to the two charges and received a conviction. The Muskingum County Common Pleas Court sentenced him to 90 days of incarceration and five years of community control, the terms of which forbid Kay from staying in or entering Muskingum County. Later, Kay appealed these charges, saying that the court committed an error in failing to suppress the gun as evidence and that the court abused its discretion in telling him he could not stay in or return to Muskingum County.
Upon review, the Ohio Supreme Court said that the court erred only in part. The Common Pleas Court correctly denied the motion to suppress the gun as evidence. However, the Supreme Court struck the rule against his appearance in Muskingum County.
State of Ohio v. Jessica F. Dunlap
In 2021, defendant Jessica Dunlap pleaded no contest to an indictment on charges of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
Dunlap was approached in a traffic stop when an officer was running registration checks on vehicles in a parking lot. The tag showed that Dunlap was a suspended driver. The officer discovered Dunlap in the passenger seat with another individual identified as Lewis. The officer ran his ID and found that Lewis had a suspended license and outstanding warrants. Because the warrant said that Lewis could have a weapon, the officer asked if there could be a firearm in the vehicle and discovered one unloaded firearm and a loaded magazine.
The Geauga County Court of Common Pleas denied Dunlap’s motion to suppress, saying that the traffic stop and search was Constitutional. Dunlap pleaded no contest, and the court issued a sentence of two years of monitoring.
Dunlap later filed an appeal, saying that the trial court made a mistake in denying her motion to suppress evidence based on a seizure related to illegal detention. Upon review, the Supreme Court agreed, saying that the extended traffic stop was not proper once the officer determined that Dunlap was not the driver. The judgment of the Common Pleas court was remanded.
Ohio Gun News and Articles
The following are some news stories and more information relating to improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle in Ohio.
“Ohio General Assembly Passes Firearms Bill—But Without ‘Stand-Your-Ground’ Provisions”
December 6, 2018
Ohio passed a new law in 2018 that shifted the burden of proving self-defense from the defendant to the prosecution. This means that in Castle Doctrine cases involving the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, the prosecution would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was not acting in self-defense in line with the Castle Doctrine to secure a conviction.
September 5, 2019
A postal worker in Ohio told police that a gunman attacked him in his postal truck when, in reality, police allege that he discharged a firearm in his own truck. The man was arrested and faced multiple criminal charges, including improper handling of a firearm inside a vehicle.
“Drunk Man Found in Parked Car With Loaded Gun: Beachwood Police Blotter”
October 1, 2019
A man was arrested in an Ohio hotel parking lot when police found him in the car at 3:40 a.m. Reports indicate he had a concealed firearm without a license inside the car and was intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with improper handling of a firearm, among other charges.
“Dayton Man Sentenced for Having a Firearm as a Felon”
October 1, 2019
An Ohio man was sentenced to 70 months in state prison after law enforcement officers found him with a loaded firearm in his vehicle. The man was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
“Suspects Charged After Shot Fired at Middletown Business”
October 2, 2019
Two men were arrested by Ohio police after they fled a crime scene in a vehicle with loaded firearms, and witnesses heard multiple shots fired from the vehicle. Both suspects were charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, among other charges.
These are only some of the stories we read in the news that involve this particular firearms charge. If you were arrested, you should immediately contact Joslyn Law Firm to ensure you put forth an effective and aggressive defense against your charges.
“New Gun Laws Bill Announced Today Would Make Significant Changes in Ohio”
August 18, 2022
State Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) announced proposals for new gun safety laws in the state. Senator Dolan said that the bill contains five major provisions that would include expanded background checks, imposing restrictions on some types of gun purchases, creating a red-flag law, and significantly expanding funding for mental health services.
While The Buckeye Firearms Association did not express approval of the legislation, Governor Mike DeWine showed his support. Among the new gun purchase restrictions, the proposed law says that gun buyers between the ages 18 and 21 need a cosigner at least 25 years old if they want to buy a weapon other than a rifle containing one round of ammunition.
“Records Detail Why Columbus Police Were Attempting to Arrest Man Later Killed By Officer”
August 31, 2022
Officers with a warrant for the arrest of Donovan Lewis fatally shot the suspect in his home in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. The warrant said that Lewis was wanted on a felony warrant for assault, domestic violence, and improperly handling a firearm in a car. Officers with a K9 opened the bedroom door and fired a shot, killing Lewis.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said it will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. The family’s attorney called the shooting “excessive and completely unnecessary.”
Lewis had multiple charges of domestic violence, including a prior episode where he punched his girlfriend in public. He also had a domestic violence record for punching his mother.
Joslyn Law Firm Can Help With an Improper Handling of a Firearms in a Vehicle Case
You don’t have to accept the penalties and consequences of a criminal conviction. Let out attorneys help you build a case in your defense and fight for your freedom and your future. Joslyn Law Firm has represented over 20,000 cases, and we’re prepared to bring our ten years of experience to advocate for you.
Contact our team today for your case review: (614) 444-1900. During your confidential, no-obligation call, we can answer all your questions and explain how we can get started today.
