Weapons & Firearms Charge Lawyers In Columbus, OH

Gun Crime in Ohio

Ohio is an open-carry state. In an open-carry state, those who legally own firearms can carry them in public places. Ohio recently also became a “Constitutional carry” state, meaning it waived the licensing requirements for concealed carry. Although Ohio has less restrictive gun laws than other states, violating state and federal firearms laws can result in significant criminal consequences.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., our Ohio gun crime attorneys know what it takes to defend people from firearm offenses and weapon charges. We have decades of combined legal experience and understand how to present a solid and strategic defense plan to obtain the most favorable outcome possible for the charges you’re faced with.

If you are facing state or federal gun charges, you must speak with a gun crime lawyer as soon as possible. Here at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we are ready to fight for you. Contact our office today at 614-444-3036 and request a confidential legal consultation. With five area offices, we proudly serve individuals in the Columbus, Delaware, Mt. Gilead, New Lexington, and Cambridge communities.

What Can a Gun Crime Lawyer in Ohio Do for You?

Ohio has some of the country’s most “gun-friendly” laws. However, running afoul of state and federal weapons offenses can have a dramatic impact on your future. Many people mistakenly believe that because Ohio is a less restrictive state, it is easy to talk their way out of a weapons offense. That is not the case. If you are facing weapons-related offenses in Ohio, you need the help only a firearm charge lawyer can provide.

What can a Columbus criminal defense attorney do for you? At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., our criminal defense team can:

  • Provide Effective Legal Representation — An Ohio criminal defense lawyer can represent clients facing criminal charges or legal proceedings related to firearms. An attorney can advocate for you and protect your legal rights throughout the criminal justice process.
  • Evaluate Your Case – The key to building a solid case is thoroughly evaluating your situation, reviewing evidence, assessing legal issues, and identifying potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.
  • Develop Defense Strategies – Based on careful analysis of the facts, an experienced gun defense lawyer will develop a defense strategy to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
  • Negotiate a Plea Deal – In some situations, negotiating with the prosecution may be possible, and it could be in your best interest. An aggressive attorney can advocate for a plea deal and potentially reduce the severity of the charges against you.
  • Represent You at Trial — Our defense attorneys will tenaciously represent you in court at arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Provide Legal Advice and Guidance — From the beginning of your case to its end, a skilled defense attorney never loses sight of who they work for. That’s you. At our firm, we’ll provide legal advice and guidance throughout the legal process, explaining your rights, options, and potential consequences. We’ll also offer you the support you need to handle this challenging time.

Types of Ohio Gun Crime Cases We Handle 

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we have the experience and resources to help you navigate the Ohio criminal justice system, regardless of your weapons or firearms charges. Some of the most common Ohio gun crime cases we handle include: 

  • Possession of a firearm on liquor permit premises
  • Using or carrying a deadly weapon while intoxicated
  • Possession of a deadly weapon while under detention
  • Unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon
  • Unlawful transaction of weapons
  • Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle
  • Possession of a deadly weapon in a school zone

Although the Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms, specific individuals in Ohio are prohibited from owning, possessing, or carrying firearms. We manage numerous cases involving gun law violations involving individuals prohibited from legally possessing guns. Ohio laws make it unlawful to possess a firearm when: 

  • The person is a convicted felon
  • The person is under indictment
  • The person is a fugitive from justice
  • The person has been deemed mentally incompetent
  • The person is a drug addict or chronic alcoholic

If you face firearm or weapons offenses in Ohio, you need the protection and advice only a skilled criminal defense attorney can provide. Firearm law is complex. Unassisted legal system navigation can mean you’ll get saddled with stiff penalties and life-long repercussions.

Penalties for Ohio Gun Offenses 

Weapons charges can be complicated. The penalties depend on the nature of the offense and the strength of your defense strategy. Many firearm violations are felony offenses and carry the potential for significant fines and prison time. Potential penalties for an Ohio gun offense conviction can include:

Fifth-degree felony 

  • Fines up to $2,500
  • Prison time between 6 and 12 months

Fourth-degree felony 

  • Fines up to $5,000
  • Prison time between 6 and 18 months

Third-degree felony 

  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Prison time between 9 and 36 months

Penalties can be more significant for repeat or violent offenders. A conviction means you lose your right to own or possess a firearm upon release. A criminal record also makes finding work, housing, and educational opportunities significantly more challenging. 

The emotional and financial consequences of a firearm conviction can be long-reaching. Protect yourself and your future by speaking with an attorney about your situation before answering law enforcement’s questions.

What are Potential Defense Strategies for Ohio Gun Crimes?

A firearms charges defense strategy can be complex and should always be based on the specific facts of the situation. One-size-fits-all tactics rarely yield the best results because they don’t factor in the unique circumstances that provoked the charges against you. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we’ll take a personalized approach to developing gun crime defense strategies for your particular case. We tailor our defense plan to your needs and the facts of your case.

What can you expect from a defense attorney working on your Ohio gun crimes case? The answer depends. However, some common defense strategies may play into your case, including:

  • Mistaken identity
  • The accused did not knowingly possess the firearm
  • The firearm was located during an illegal search or seizure by law enforcement
  • Law enforcement had an invalid search warrant
  • Law enforcement engaged in misconduct or rights violations
  • Lack of evidence
  • Prosecution’s inability to meet their burden of proof

The effectiveness of these tactics depends entirely on the situation, which is why you need a skilled attorney to defend you and manage your case. Numerous other defense strategies can apply to Ohio gun cases. An attorney can provide personalized legal advice and craft a defense plan that offers the best opportunity of achieving a favorable outcome.

Facing Ohio gun charges can feel like an uphill battle. Seeking experienced and responsive legal representation is always in your best interest. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we know what’s on the line. Your freedom. We want to protect your rights and build a defense plan addressing your case’s facts.

Everyone deserves quality legal representation. Contact The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. today by calling 614-444-3036 to arrange a confidential legal consultation