Cincinnati Weapons Crimes Attorney

Our Cincinnati Gun Crimes Attorney Can Help

If you are convicted of a weapons or firearm crime in Ohio, you could face severe penalties such as extensive jail or prison time, high fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that is difficult or impossible to expunge. A conviction for a gun offense can also affect your ability to own or possess firearms in the future, limit your employment options, damage your reputation, and impact professional licenses, housing, and even immigration status.

Penalties for weapons crimes in Ohio can vary widely based on the type of weapon involved, whether it was loaded, how it was used or carried, whether you have a concealed carry license, your criminal history, and where the alleged offense took place (for example, near a school, courthouse, or bar). Prior convictions, being labeled as “under disability,” and the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other criminal conduct can all increase the stakes dramatically.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a gun or weapons offense in Cincinnati or anywhere in Hamilton County, you should not wait to get legal help. A knowledgeable Ohio weapons crimes lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates can step in quickly to protect your rights, explain what you are facing, and begin building a defense aimed at reducing or even dismissing the charges.

Why You Need An Experienced Cincinnati Gun Crime Attorney

If you’re dealing with a weapons charge, it is critical to act fast. Evidence such as surveillance video, body-camera footage, shell casings, firearm registration documents, and witness memories can be lost or distorted over time. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the sooner they can gather favorable evidence, challenge the prosecution’s version of events, and prevent damaging statements or mistakes that can hurt your case later.

Ohio’s gun laws have changed significantly in recent years, including permitless carry (“constitutional carry”) for qualifying adults and evolving rules on concealed handguns, open carry, and prohibited locations. Although each case is different, it’s crucial to contact a knowledgeable Cincinnati weapons lawyer immediately so you can understand how the current law applies to your situation. Facing a weapons charge is intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right legal support, you may be able to minimize penalties, avoid mandatory prison time, preserve your firearm rights, or even achieve a case dismissal or acquittal.

An experienced Cincinnati gun crimes attorney will review the charges, examine the underlying Ohio Revised Code sections, evaluate whether police complied with search and seizure laws, and explore defenses such as lack of intent, lawful self-defense, improper traffic stops, or violations of your constitutional rights. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate reduced charges (for example, from a felony to a misdemeanor), obtain diversion, or secure a plea agreement that avoids incarceration.

Read 5 Things To Know About Ohio Gun Laws & Cincinnati Weapons Crimes

Experienced Defense for Cincinnati Weapons Charges

Our experienced Cincinnati gun charge attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients facing a wide range of firearm and weapons allegations. That experience includes both state-level offenses under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2923 and related violent crimes where firearms were alleged, such as robbery, felonious assault, and domestic violence involving a gun.

Their dedication, skill, and knowledge of Ohio firearm statutes allow them to work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. They understand how prosecutors build gun cases, how judges in Hamilton County typically view weapons offenses, and how to effectively challenge weak or overstated allegations. Whether you are accused of unlawfully carrying a handgun, possessing a weapon under disability, improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle, or discharging a gun in a prohibited area, the attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates are ready to help.

Common Weapons Charges in Cincinnati, Ohio

Ohio law recognizes many different firearm and weapons offenses. Some of the most common charges we see in Cincinnati and surrounding areas include:

• Carrying Concealed Weapons — Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.12, carrying a concealed handgun or other deadly weapon in certain circumstances can lead to criminal charges. Even with Ohio’s permitless carry law, you can still be charged if you are under disability, carry in prohibited locations, fail to properly disclose to law enforcement when required at the time of the incident, or carry certain restricted weapons. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the weapon, prior record, and other factors. Learn more about the penalties and defenses for concealed carry violations.
• Having Weapons While Under Disability — Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.13, “weapons under disability” refers to possessing a firearm or dangerous ordnance when you are legally prohibited from doing so. You may be under disability if you have certain felony convictions, drug offenses, indictments pending, mental health adjudications, or are a fugitive from justice. A conviction is a serious felony (often a third-degree felony) with severe consequences, including potential prison time and a lasting criminal record. Learn more about the penalties for this offense.
• Possession of Criminal Tools — Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.24, possessing or controlling any tool, device, or instrument with the purpose to use it in committing a crime—such as burglary tools, modified firearms, or other equipment—can be charged as a criminal offense, even if the tool was never actually used. A conviction may lead to significant jail or prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Learn more about potential penalties for possession of criminal tools.

Other Ohio Firearm and Weapons Offenses We Handle

Beyond the offenses listed above, our Cincinnati gun crime lawyers regularly defend clients accused of other serious firearm-related crimes, including:

• Improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (ORC 2923.16) — Allegations that you transported or handled a firearm improperly in a car, truck, or other vehicle. This can involve loaded guns that are not properly secured, having a firearm accessible while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failing to follow Ohio’s requirements for transporting firearms. Penalties vary from misdemeanors to felonies and can include jail time, fines, and driver’s license consequences.
• Improperly Discharging a Firearm at or Into a Habitation, School, or Occupied Structure (ORC 2923.161) — Firing a gun into a home, apartment, school, or occupied building is a serious felony in Ohio. Even if no one is physically injured, simply discharging a firearm into such structures can result in lengthy prison terms, especially when gang activity or other specifications are alleged.
• Using Weapons While Intoxicated (ORC 2923.15) — Handling or firing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to criminal charges, even if no one is injured. Prosecutors often file these charges in cases involving “warning shots,” celebratory gunfire, or weapons being handled during arguments or parties while intoxicated.
• Illegal Conveyance or Possession in Prohibited Places — Ohio law prohibits carrying firearms into certain locations such as courthouses, schools, airplanes, and some government buildings, as well as secure areas of law enforcement facilities. Violations under sections such as ORC 2923.122 and 2923.123 can result in felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the circumstances.
• Defacing or Possessing a Defaced Firearm (ORC 2923.201) — Altering or removing a firearm’s serial number, or possessing a gun with a defaced or obliterated serial number, is a separate criminal offense. These cases often arise in the context of stolen guns or alleged trafficking, and courts treat them very seriously.
• Falsification in Connection With Firearm Purchases — Providing false information on firearm purchase paperwork, including federal ATF Form 4473 or related background check forms, can lead to charges under Ohio’s falsification statute (ORC 2921.13) and may also violate federal law. Lying about your criminal record, immigration status, or whether you are buying a firearm for someone else (“straw purchase”) can result in significant penalties.

Read Why Was I Arrested for a Mistake on My Gun Application?

Open Carry, Concealed Carry, and Ohio’s Constitutional Carry Law

Ohio permits open carry of firearms for most adults who are legally allowed to possess guns, but there are still important limitations. You can be arrested for brandishing a weapon, causing panic, or carrying in prohibited areas, even if the gun is openly visible. Likewise, while Ohio now allows many “qualifying adults” to carry a concealed handgun without a license, that does not mean all concealed carry is legal. Restrictions still apply for individuals under disability, those with certain criminal histories, and those carrying in prohibited locations such as courthouses, secured areas of airports, or certain school zones.

Because the law continues to evolve and local practices can vary, it is easy to unintentionally violate Ohio’s gun regulations. A Cincinnati weapons crimes attorney can review whether your open or concealed carry was lawful, whether the police had a valid basis to stop and search you, and whether the state can prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Ohio Gun Crime Convictions

The direct penalties for a weapon conviction in Ohio can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, restitution, forfeiture of the weapon, and firearm specification enhancements that add mandatory consecutive prison terms. For example, if a gun is alleged to have been used or brandished during the commission of another felony, Ohio’s firearm specifications can add years of mandatory prison time on top of the underlying sentence, with limited options for early release.

Beyond the criminal sentence itself, a weapons conviction can also:

• Cause the loss of your right to own or possess firearms under state and federal law
• Make you ineligible for certain professional licenses or security-clearance positions
• Impact immigration status, including visa, green card, and naturalization applications
• Harm your chances of obtaining or keeping custody or visitation with your children
• Limit housing opportunities and access to federally assisted housing
• Appear in background checks for jobs, schools, and volunteer positions

Because the consequences reach far beyond the immediate sentence, it is essential to defend gun charges aggressively and explore every option to avoid a conviction or minimize long-term fallout.

Read How to Get Your Gun Rights Back in Ohio

Ohio Weapons Charge FAQs

What counts as a weapons crime in Ohio?

Weapons crimes in Ohio can include carrying a concealed weapon in prohibited circumstances, possessing a firearm while “under disability,” improperly transporting or handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, discharging a gun into a home or school zone, possessing a defaced firearm, falsifying information during a gun purchase, or using weapons while intoxicated. Each offense has specific elements that the prosecution must prove, and a lawyer can help you understand the exact nature of the charges against you.

Is open carry legal in Cincinnati and the rest of Ohio?

Yes, Ohio generally allows open carry of firearms by adults who are legally allowed to possess guns. However, there are important restrictions. You cannot openly carry in certain prohibited locations (like courthouses and some school zones), you cannot use the weapon to threaten or cause panic, and you can still be charged if you are under disability or engaged in other criminal conduct. Open carry does not protect you from all weapons charges, so it is important to understand the context of your case.

What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio?

Penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio depend on factors such as the type of weapon, whether you were a qualifying adult under current law, your prior record, and where the offense occurred. Some concealed carry violations are misdemeanors that may involve up to 180 days in jail, while others are felonies that can result in years in prison and long-term loss of firearm rights. Allegations of carrying while under disability or in a prohibited area often elevate the severity of the charge.

What does ‘having weapons while under disability’ mean?

This offense applies to individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm or dangerous ordnance because of specific legal restrictions, such as prior felony convictions, certain drug offenses, mental health adjudications, or being under indictment for a violent or drug-related felony. It is typically a third-degree felony with severe consequences, including potential prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record that may permanently affect your gun rights.

Can I defend against a weapons crime charge in Ohio?

Yes. Possible defenses include challenging whether the stop, search, or seizure was lawful; arguing that you were not actually in possession or control of the weapon; showing that you were not under disability; proving that you had a valid license or were a qualifying adult under current law; disputing the alleged intent to use a tool as a criminal instrument; or raising self-defense and other legal justifications. An experienced attorney will analyze the facts of your case and applicable Ohio statutes to build the strongest defense possible.

What happens if I fire a ‘warning shot’ in Ohio?

Firing a “warning shot” can still lead to serious criminal charges, including using weapons while intoxicated, improper discharge of a firearm, or even improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school zone depending on where and how the shot was fired. The law typically does not distinguish between warning shots and other gunfire when it creates a risk of serious physical harm. You should never assume a warning shot is legally safe; if you are accused of firing one, contact a lawyer immediately.

Can a weapons conviction affect my future gun rights?

Yes. Many weapons convictions—especially felonies or “weapons under disability” charges—can permanently bar you from owning or possessing firearms under both Ohio and federal law. Even some misdemeanor offenses, particularly those involving domestic violence or protective orders, can affect your ability to purchase or carry a firearm. Your attorney can explain how specific charges may impact your rights and whether any restoration options may exist in the future.

What should I do if I’ve been charged with a weapons crime?

Contact a Cincinnati weapons crimes attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with law enforcement or anyone else besides your lawyer, and do not post about it on social media. An attorney will evaluate the allegations, protect you during questioning, request discovery, and guide you through each step of the legal process. The earlier you get legal help, the more options you typically have.

Can my gun charge be reduced or dismissed?

In many cases, yes. Whether your gun charge can be reduced or dismissed depends on the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, whether anyone was injured, and the specific facts of the incident. Your lawyer may be able to challenge the legality of the stop or search, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiate a plea to a lesser offense, or pursue dismissal if the evidence is insufficient or was obtained illegally.

Does a weapons charge affect other criminal cases, like assault or drug charges?

Yes. When a firearm is alleged in connection with another offense—such as assault, robbery, burglary, or drug trafficking—the case becomes more serious. Prosecutors can add firearm specifications that increase potential prison time, and judges may be less inclined to grant probation or diversion. A defense strategy in a gun case must therefore account for how the firearm allegation interacts with any related charges.

Facing a Cincinnati Weapons Charge? Call Attorney Brad Groene Today.

If you’re facing a gun or weapons charge in Cincinnati, don’t wait. The decisions you make early on—from what you say to police to whether you try to handle the case yourself—can affect the outcome for years to come. Contact experienced Ohio weapons lawyer Brad Groene for a consultation. He will review your case, explain your legal options, and develop a defense strategy designed to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.

Get the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or email us at advice@cincinnaticriminalattorney.com. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, address your concerns, and start working on your defense.