The penalties for illegal discharge depend on where the gun was fired and whether it caused harm:Discharge Near a Public Place (Misdemeanor 1st Degree - M1)Up to 6 months in jailFines up to $1,000Discharge on or Near School Property (Felony 5th Degree - F5)6 to 12 months in prisonFines up to $2,500Shooting Into an Occupied Home or Building (Felony 2nd Degree - F2)2 to 8 years in prisonFines up to $15,000Drive-By Shooting / Firing From a Vehicle (Felony 2nd Degree - F2)2 to 8 years in prisonMandatory prison sentence if linked to gang activityIf the gun discharge results in injury or death, additional charges such as felonious assault or manslaughter may apply, leading to significantly harsher penalties.

The penalties for unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon depend on the circumstances of the offense:Unlawful Carrying of a Concealed Weapon (Misdemeanor 1st Degree - M1) – If the person has no prior offenses and was otherwise legally eligible to carry:Up to 6 months in jailFines up to $1,000Felony Carrying of a Concealed Weapon (Felony 4th Degree - F4) – If the firearm was loaded, carried by a prohibited person, or involved in a criminal act:6 to 18 months in prisonFines up to $5,000Felony Enhanced Charge (Felony 3rd Degree - F3) – If the weapon was used in connection with another felony (e.g., robbery, drug trafficking):1 to 5 years in prisonFines up to $10,000If the individual was previously convicted of a weapons-related offense, penalties may be enhanced with mandatory prison time.Collateral Consequences of an Unlawful Weapon ConvictionBeyond legal penalties, a conviction for unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon can result in:A permanent criminal record, making it difficult to obtain jobs or housing.Loss of firearm ownership rights, even for self-defense.Ineligibility for future concealed carry permits.Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens.Difficulty obtaining professional licenses, especially in law enforcement or security fields.

The severity of gun trafficking penalties depends on the nature of the offense and whether federal laws apply:

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Unlawful Sale or Transfer of a Firearm (Felony 3rd Degree - F3) 1 to 5 years in prison. Fines up to $10,000.

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Straw Purchases or Firearm Sales to Prohibited Persons (Felony 2nd Degree - F2) 2 to 8 years in prison. Fines up to $15,000.

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Interstate Firearm Trafficking (Federal Offense) Up to 10 years in federal prison. Fines up to $250,000. Mandatory minimum sentences if linked to organized crime

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Possession of Firearms with Removed Serial Numbers (Felony 4th Degree - F4) 6 to 18 months in prison. Fines up to $5,000. If gun trafficking is connected to violent crimes, drug trafficking, or gang activity, enhanced sentencing may apply, leading to significantly longer prison terms.

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Collateral Consequences of a Gun Trafficking Conviction

Beyond prison time and fines, a conviction for gun trafficking can have long-term consequences, including:

A permanent criminal record, affecting employment and housing opportunities. Loss of firearm ownership rights under state and federal law.

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Federal prosecution and harsher sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders.Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens.Civil asset forfeiture, where law enforcement may seize property and funds linked to the crime.

A felon found in possession of a firearm faces felony charges, with penalties depending on the circumstances:Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony 3rd Degree - F3) –1 to 5 years in prisonFines up to $10,000Potential enhanced sentencing for repeat offendersPossession During Commission of a Crime (Felony 2nd Degree - F2) – If a convicted felon is caught with a firearm while committing another crime (e.g., drug trafficking, robbery), the penalties increase:2 to 8 years in prisonFines up to $15,000Additional penalties based on the primary offenseFederal Firearm Charges – If prosecuted under federal law, penalties can include:Mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentenceUp to 10 years in federal prisonLoss of parole eligibility for repeat offendersCollateral Consequences of a Firearm ConvictionBeyond the criminal penalties, a conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon can result in:Permanent criminal record, making employment and housing difficult.Loss of voting rights in certain states.Loss of professional licenses (security, law enforcement, or military careers).Increased sentencing if convicted of future crimes.Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens.

The penalties for weapons and firearms offenses vary based on the severity of the charge, prior criminal history, and whether the offense involved violent crime, drug activity, or additional felonies:Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony 3rd Degree - F3)1 to 5 years in prisonFines up to $10,000Permanent loss of firearm rightsUnlawful Carrying of a Concealed WeaponMisdemeanor 1st Degree (M1) for First Offense – Up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000Felony 4th Degree (F4) for Repeat Offenses – 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (Felony 3rd or 4th Degree - F3/F4)1 to 5 years in prisonFines up to $10,000Additional penalties if injury or property damage occursGun Trafficking (Felony 2nd Degree - F2)2 to 8 years in prisonFines up to $15,000Enhanced federal charges may applyCollateral Consequences of a Weapons & Firearms ConvictionBeyond the criminal penalties, a conviction for a weapons or firearms offense can result in:Loss of firearm rights, making it illegal to own or carry a gun.A permanent criminal record, affecting employment and housing opportunities.Ineligibility for professional licenses, especially in security, law enforcement, and government jobs.Federal charges, in cases involving interstate trafficking or illegal possession by felons.Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens.Because Ohio law imposes harsh penalties for weapons-related offenses, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney who can fight to reduce charges, challenge evidence, and protect your constitutional rights.