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Gun Charges

Columbus Gun Charge Defense Attorney

Gun Laws and Penalties for Violations in Ohio

You may unintentionally break the law and face criminal gun charges if you allow your permit to carry a concealed weapon expire, or you forget to lock your gun case and a child gains possession of the weapon. A firearm is a deadly weapon that is capable of shooting projectiles regardless of whether it is unloaded or temporarily inoperable. That includes any rifle, pistol or portable gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle or a sawed-off shotgun. A zip gun or crude firearm, a starter's pistol or a safety device like a flare gun are also in the category of deadly weapons. Ohio has strict gun laws and if you are in violation, you need to speak with a defense lawyer immediately, as penalties can mean jail or prison, fines and a criminal record.

Unlawful Firearms Use

There are laws in place to control the use of guns so people avoid hurting themselves and others. If one knowingly engages in illegal gun use, the offenses can range from a misdemeanor to a major felony. Carrying a concealed firearm without a proper permit and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle are both violations of state law. Selling, buying or otherwise transacting or being in unlawful possession of a firearm are criminal activities and made worse if a gun is provided to a minor. The use of a gun or any firearm while intoxicated is a violation.

Convicted felons cannot possess or use a firearm and if caught, the individual may face a charge of a felony in the 3rd degree. The improper discharge of a firearm near or over a public roadway, at or near a cemetery, or into an occupied structure also violates gun laws. If one knowingly fires a gun within 1,000 feet of a school or safety zone and the act causes a panic and evacuation of the grounds, the violator will probably face serious charges.

Penalties for Gun Offenses

Most cases for unlawful use of firearms are a misdemeanor charge. For a minor misdemeanor it is a maximum fine of $150. A 4th to 1st degree minor penalties can mean a maximum 180 days in jail, and fines up to $1,000. Felonies in the 5th degree to 1st degree can carry a sentence of 6 months to 10 years in prison, and fines from $2,500 to $20,000.

Our Columbus criminal attorneys can explain what charges for a gun offense can mean to your future. Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD today.

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    “As stress free as it can be”
    A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy
    - Jeff w
    “Highly Recommend Meranda Law Firm”
    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.
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    I would give The Meranda Law Firm a 10 out of 10 for the pre-case advice, the genuine concern about his client, and the time and effort that was put into the case from beginning to the end. If there is anytime in the future I would need an attorney Zach has earned my business. Thank you Mr. Meranda for all that you covered and all that you helped me with.
    - Andrew
    “An Attorney That Will Give You His All!”
    Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.
    - Rylan Burrie
    “Excellent job!”
    We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.
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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.
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Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.