Ohio's Domestic Violence Firearm Ban
Under Ohio law, causing (or attempting to cause) physical harm to a family, household member, or intimate partner may contitute a domestic violence charge. Convictions for these charges can lead to life-altering consequences, including losing the right to own, carry, or possess a gun or firearm. A seasoned Ohio criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about how a domestic violence charge affects your gun ownership or firearm carry rights.
The experienced attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, are ready to represent and defend individuals facing domestic violence charges. Attorney Stephen Wolfe and his reliable legal team can investigate all of the facts of your case and fight for your best outcome. The firm proudly serves clients throughout Columbus, Dublin, Newark, Gahanna, Fairfield County, Licking County, and Delaware County, Ohio.
Domestic Violence in Ohio
According to Ohio laws, a person may be arrested and charged with domestic violence for:
Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm or injury to a family or household member.
Negligently causing serious physical harm to a family or household member.
Deliberately threatening or using the threat of force to make a family or household member believe that the defendant will harm them physically.
Also, a family, household member, or intimate partner may include any individual who has the following relationship with the defendant:
A current or former spouse
A person who currently lives or previously lived in the household
A child of a former or current spouse
A parent, foster parent, or child of the defendant
A parent or a child of a spouse or defendant's former spouse
Persons related by marriage, blood, adoption, former marriage, or biological adoption.
A former or current dating or romantic partner
Domestic violence charges in Ohio are often serious and can carry life-long ramifications.
Ohio's Domestic Violence Firearm Ban
In Ohio, there is no specific state law that prohibits a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense from possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition. However, under federal law, if the court issues a domestic violence protection order against the defendant, it must include a written or oral notice that makes it illegal for them to purchase or possess a firearm — including a revolver, pistol, rifle, or ammunition.
Federal Domestic Violence Firearm Ban
According to the Federal Gun Control Act, an individual who has been convicted of a felony crime or a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is prohibited from possessing, transporting, or selling firearms. Also, under federal law, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence involves:
Using or attempting to use physical force against a family or household member.
Threatening a family or household member with a deadly weapon.
If you're facing domestic violence charges, it is crucial that you hire a seasoned criminal defense attorney for reliable representation and to help preserve your firearm rights.
Preserving Your Right to Own a Firearm After a Domestic Violence Arrest
According to statistics from the Ohio Domestic Violence Report, about 51,395 offenders were arrested for domestic violence in Ohio in 2021. When arrested and charged with domestic violence, retaining an attorney is crucial to protect your rights. Your trusted domestic violence defense attorney can investigate every aspect of your case and strategize a solid defense to fight the charges against you.
Additionally, your attorney can help negotiate a plea bargain, attempt to get your domestic violence charges dropped or dismissed, and help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your unique situation. With help from a lawyer, you may be able to preserve your firearm rights and avoid the far-reaching punishment of a domestic violence conviction.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney
Facing domestic violence allegations can be overwhelming and scary. In fact, it might subject the defendant to a firearm ban, among other severe penalties and devastating ramifications. Therefore, when charged with domestic violence, hiring a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is paramount.
Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, is committed to offering effective representation and personalized guidance to clients in their domestic violence cases. Attorney Stephen Wolfe and his dedicated team will fight aggressively to defend your freedom, advocate for your firearm rights, and make sure you get fair treatment at every phase of the legal proceedings.
Contact Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, today to schedule a simple case assessment with strategic criminal defense lawyers. The experienced team at the firm can offer you the skilled guidance and reliable representation you need to fight your charges. The firm proudly serves clients throughout Columbus, Dublin, Newark, Gahanna, Fairfield County, Licking County, and Delaware County, Ohio.