Columbus Weapons Offense Attorney
Aggressive Defense Law Firm for Weapons Charges
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, our attorneys have handled a variety of criminal cases for more than 15 years. We have represented a number of clients facing weapons charges and we are well educated in the tactics used by the prosecution in building cases, having served as prosecutors in the past.
Contact the professionals at The Meranda Law Firm LTD today to schedule a consultation with a Columbus weapons offense attorney.
The Ohio Revised Code, Title [29] Chapter 2923: Conspiracy, Attempt and Complicity; Weapons Control; Corrupt Activity explains the laws concerning weapons. It lays out in detail the many elements of weapons violations and definitions of weapons control in Section 2923.11. In essence, a deadly weapon is:
"Any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specifically adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon."
Code violations related to the use or concealment of weapons is a serious crime. Illegal sales and weapons trafficking are major crimes, often filed in federal court.
Common Weapons
Firearms are the most used weapons and that category includes any type of handgun, semi-automatic, sawed-off firearm, zip gun and others. Added to the weapons list is any type of explosive device, incendiary device, dangerous ordnance, or ballistic knife. It is a significant offense to carry or have at hand any of these weapons in a school safety zone or to use them while intoxicated.
Penalties for Weapons Offenses
It is a violation to carry a concealed weapon unless you are in possession of a proper and valid current license allowing that for your job or some other reason. A person cannot have a concealed dangerous ordnance, handgun, or any other of the deadly weapons described in the criminal codes. If a police officer stops you and you have a concealed weapon on you or ready at hand, you must tell the officer and keep your hands in clear sight at all times. Weapons offenses are usually as follows:
- 1st degree misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and maximum $1,000 fines
- 4th degree felony – 6-18 months in prison and maximum $5,000 fines
An offense can quickly escalate from a 1st degree misdemeanor to a 4th degree felony depending on specific circumstances. It is a 3rd degree felony to have a concealed weapon on an aircraft. Criminal charges can increase drastically if it is alleged that the weapon caused the death of another individual, or caused substantial bodily harm, or during an armed robbery.
Weapons offense cases are often complicated. Our Columbus weapon defense lawyers can provide information to you about your available options. Contact us today to schedule a free & confidential initial case evaluation.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.- Alexandria Trejo
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Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.- Anonymous
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I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.- Anonymous
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I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.- Kristina Poulton
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I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.- Aaron Jacks
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I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.- Payton R
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Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.- Rod
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
