Gun Charges Defense Attorney in Coshocton

Facing An Ohio Gun Charge & Need Help? Call Attorney Cross

Ohio gun charges can put your freedom, record, and firearm rights at serious risk. If you or someone you care about has been accused of a weapons offense in or around Coshocton, you may be worried about prison time, a felony conviction, and what this means for your future. In this situation, you need a clear plan and a steady legal guide.

At Cross Law Office, LLC, we defend people charged with serious criminal offenses every day, including cases that involve firearms. We understand how confusing it can feel to be arrested, bond out, and then face a court system that moves quickly and speaks in legal terms you may not recognize. Our goal is to give you practical guidance, strong advocacy, and honest information at every step.

We handle hundreds of criminal matters across Coshocton County and other Ohio courts each year, so we are familiar with how local judges and prosecutors approach gun allegations. When you contact us, we work to move quickly, review what happened, and begin protecting your rights right away.

As your gun charges defense attorney in Coshocton, we provide the aggressive representation necessary to fight for a favorable outcome. Experience our accessible service by calling (740) 997-2004 or contacting us online today.

Understanding Gun Crimes Laws in Ohio

Ohio's firearm laws are found primarily in Chapter 2923 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). While Ohio is often viewed as a state with strong protections for gun owners—including the recent adoption of "permitless carry" for qualifying adults—the restrictions that remain are strictly enforced. A Coshocton gun crimes lawyer must stay current on these shifting regulations to build a viable defense.

• Having Weapons While Under Disability (ORC 2923.13): This is one of the most common felony gun crimes prosecuted in our region. In Ohio, a "disability" refers to a legal prohibition against possessing a firearm. You may be charged with this offense if you knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm while:
  • You are a fugitive from justice.
  • You are under indictment for or have been convicted of any felony offense of violence.
  • You are under indictment for or have been convicted of any felony drug offense.
  • You are drug-dependent, in danger of drug dependence, or a chronic alcoholic.
• Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (ORC 2923.16): Even with permitless carry laws, transporting a firearm in a vehicle remains a high-risk activity. You can be charged if a firearm is discharged from a vessel or if a loaded firearm is accessible to the operator or any passenger without meeting specific safety requirements.
• Carrying Concealed Weapons (ORC 2923.12): While many adults in Ohio can now carry a concealed handgun without a license, this right is not absolute. If you are stopped for a law enforcement purpose and fail to disclose that you are carrying a concealed handgun (if asked), or if you are carrying in a prohibited place like a courthouse or school safety zone, you face immediate criminal exposure.
• Illegal Conveyance or Possession in a School Safety Zone (ORC 2923.122): Ohio law is particularly strict regarding firearms near schools. Bringing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone is typically a fifth-degree felony, which can escalate based on prior convictions or the specific intent behind the possession.

Penalties for Gun Crimes Convictions in Ohio

The penalties for firearm offenses in Ohio are some of the most rigid in the criminal justice system. A Coshocton gun crimes lawyer will tell you that the "hidden" costs of a conviction are often just as damaging as the time spent behind bars.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Misdemeanor Charges: Typically involve up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony Charges: Ranges from 6 months for a fifth-degree felony to 11 years or more for first-degree felonies.
• Firearm Specifications: This is a critical area of Ohio law. If a firearm was used or displayed during the commission of another felony (like robbery or assault), the state can add a "specification" that carries a mandatory prison term of 1, 3, or even 7 years. This time must be served consecutively—meaning it starts after you finish the sentence for the primary crime.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the courtroom, a conviction on gun charges can lead to:

• Permanent Loss of Second Amendment Rights: You may never be legally allowed to own or possess a firearm again.
• Employment Barriers: Many employers, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, or any field requiring a background check, will not hire someone with a felony weapons conviction.
• Housing Issues: Landlords frequently deny applications based on violent or weapon-related criminal records.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions can lead to the suspension or revocation of CDL licenses, nursing licenses, or other professional certifications.

Why Call Our Defense Team in Coshocton

When you are deciding who should stand beside you, you need a defense team that spends most days in criminal courtrooms and understands how weapons charges are actually prosecuted. At Cross Law Office, LLC, we typically defend between 500 and 600 criminal cases every year. That means we regularly handle high-stakes situations and navigate plea discussions, evidentiary issues, and trial settings for clients throughout the area.

Our lead attorney, Beau W. Cross, is licensed to practice law in Ohio and earned his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University after completing his Bachelor of Science in Education at The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. He has also been selected to Rising Stars for multiple consecutive years, which is recognition based on peer review and professional achievement.

We pair that background with a strong commitment to communication. We use MyCase, an online client portal that lets you review documents, send messages, and see updates without waiting for a phone call. Many clients find that having this access reduces anxiety and helps them stay organized as their case moves forward. We also make it a priority to explain options in plain language so you can make informed choices about your defense.

How We Defend Gun Crime Cases in Coshocton

Defending gun crime cases in Coshocton requires a thorough investigation, careful analysis of evidence, and a clear understanding of Ohio law. Our approach begins by reviewing all reports, body camera footage, search warrants, and consents related to your arrest. We examine how law enforcement first encountered you, how the firearm was discovered, and whether your constitutional rights were respected, building a defense that addresses every critical aspect of your case.

How We Defend Gun Crime Cases in Coshocton

• Comprehensive Evidence Review: We gather police reports, body camera footage, and any search warrants or consents to understand how the firearm was discovered and the circumstances of your arrest.
• Analyzing Search and Seizure Issues: We evaluate whether stops, searches, or seizures complied with constitutional protections, and we may file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
• Assessing Possession and Control: We determine whether the state can prove you knowingly possessed or controlled the firearm, especially in situations involving multiple people or shared spaces.
• Reviewing Disability and Prior Record Issues: For charges like weapons under disability, we verify the accuracy and applicability of records the state intends to use.
• Examining Firearm Connections to Other Offenses: If a firearm is alleged to be connected to another crime, we scrutinize the evidence linking the gun to that conduct.
• Investigating Additional Evidence: We speak with witnesses, locate surveillance video, and evaluate whether expert testimony could strengthen your defense.
• Keeping You Informed: Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication so you understand how your case is progressing and what steps will be taken next.

This methodical approach ensures that Coshocton residents facing gun charges have a defense that is both proactive and tailored to the specific facts of their case.

Talk To Our Gun Crime Defense Lawyer in Coshocton Today

Gun charges in Ohio can affect the rest of your life, from your freedom to your ability to own a firearm and support your family. You do not have to face the Coshocton court system alone. Our team at Cross Law Office, LLC works to guide clients through these cases with clear advice and focused defense strategies.

When you contact us, you can expect straightforward conversations about the strength of the evidence, regular communication through tools like MyCase, and a defense built around the facts of your situation. If you or someone you love is dealing with a firearm accusation here, it is important to act promptly so we can start protecting your rights.

Call (740) 997-2004 or contact us online to speak with our team about your gun case.