Ohio Gun Laws Explained: The Truth About Permitless Carry and Concealed Weapons

Ohio’s permitless carry law has changed how residents can legally carry firearms, but it has also created confusion about what is and isn’t allowed. While Ohio no longer requires a concealed handgun license for most adults, serious restrictions still apply. Violating these laws can lead to felony charges, fines, and jail time. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers help individuals throughout Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio understand firearm regulations and defend against gun-related criminal charges.

Understanding Ohio’s Permitless Carry Law

In June 2022, Ohio enacted Senate Bill 215, which allows qualifying adults to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a state-issued license. This is commonly referred to as “permitless carry” or “constitutional carry.”

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.111, any person aged 21 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training certificate. However, this freedom does not eliminate all legal restrictions.

To legally carry a firearm under Ohio’s permitless carry law, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be legally permitted to possess a firearm under state and federal law
• Not be a fugitive, convicted felon, or under a domestic violence protection order
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while carrying

Key takeaway: Permitless carry only applies to handguns. Long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, have different restrictions.

Where You Can and Cannot Carry a Firearm in Ohio

Even with permitless carry, certain locations remain off-limits. Carrying a gun in these places can lead to criminal charges under O.R.C. § 2923.126.

Firearms are prohibited in:

• Schools and school safety zones
• Courthouses, including the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and Cleveland Municipal Court
• Government buildings and law enforcement facilities
• Airports and commercial airplanes
• Places of worship, unless specifically allowed by the church
• Private property or businesses where firearms are clearly prohibited by posted signage

Firearms may be carried in:

• Your home or vehicle, provided you comply with transport laws
• State parks and public lands, unless otherwise restricted
• Most public areas not specifically listed as prohibited

Important: Private property owners still have the right to ban firearms on their premises. Failing to respect posted “no weapons” signs can result in a trespassing charge in addition to a firearms violation.

Concealed Carry Violations and Criminal Consequences

While permitless carry expanded gun rights, it also increased the risk of unintentional violations. Common gun-related charges our firm defends include:

• Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle (O.R.C. § 2923.16)
• Carrying a concealed weapon while intoxicated
• Possession of a firearm in a prohibited location
• Having weapons under disability (O.R.C. § 2923.13)
• Illegal transportation or storage of firearms

Penalties for concealed carry violations can include:

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Fourth-Degree Felony: 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000
• Third-Degree Felony: 9 to 36 months in prison and fines up to $10,000

Convictions may also lead to loss of firearm rights, restrictions on concealed carry, and a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged under Ohio law.

The “Under Disability” Law in Ohio

Even under permitless carry, certain individuals are still prohibited from possessing or carrying firearms under O.R.C. § 2923.13. This includes anyone who:

• Has a prior felony conviction for a violent or drug-related offense
• Has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent
• Is under indictment for a felony
• Is addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Is subject to a domestic violence restraining order

Being found in possession of a firearm under these circumstances is a felony offense, regardless of whether the person believed they were exercising legal permitless carry rights. If you’re facing gun-related criminal charges, contact a Cleveland weapons & Firearms offenses defense lawyer to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defense against serious firearm allegations under Ohio law.

What Happens If You’re Arrested for a Firearms Violation

If you are arrested for a gun-related offense in Cleveland, Lorain, or Medina, your case may begin in Cleveland Municipal Court or another local court before moving to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court if it involves felony charges.

The process generally includes:

1. Arraignment: The court reads the charges and sets bail or release conditions.
2. Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence such as police reports, bodycam footage, and firearm logs.
3. Pretrial Negotiations: Your defense lawyer may challenge unlawful searches, improper handling of evidence, or procedural errors.
4. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The legal team at Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. builds personalized defense strategies for clients facing firearm charges across Lakewood, Parma, Strongsville, Akron, Brunswick, and Ashland.

How a Cleveland Gun Charge Attorney Can Help

Gun charges in Ohio require a skilled legal defense. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we examine every detail of your arrest and identify ways to reduce or dismiss charges.

Our strategies may include:

• Challenging unlawful searches or seizures under the Fourth Amendment
• Questioning police procedures related to probable cause and evidence handling
• Negotiating reduced charges or pretrial diversion programs for eligible defendants
• Protecting your constitutional rights throughout the process

If you are searching for a gun charge lawyer near me in Cleveland, Berea, or Wadsworth, our firm provides immediate representation and guidance to protect your rights and your future.

Protecting Your Rights Under Ohio’s Gun Laws

While Ohio’s permitless carry law provides more freedom for gun owners, it also places greater responsibility on individuals to know and follow the law. A misunderstanding or mistake can quickly lead to criminal charges that threaten your record, your rights, and your livelihood.

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers defend clients throughout Cuyahoga County, Lorain, Medina, Mansfield, and across Northeast Ohio who are facing firearm-related offenses. We work diligently to challenge improper charges, minimize penalties, and help clients move forward with confidence.

Contact a Cleveland Gun Charge Attorney Today

If you’ve been arrested in Cleveland, Lakewood, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, don’t wait. Call Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. at (216) 661-5050 or request a free consultation now. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights. Whether you are facing a concealed carry violation or a weapons charge under Ohio’s permitless carry law, Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. is prepared to defend your freedom and safeguard your future.

Text or Call: (216) 661-5050 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: cindy@patfarrelllaw.com

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