Protecting yourself and your family when out in public is crucial. Many
have chosen to exercise their constitutional rights and provide this security
by carrying a concealed firearm. However, there are those who may be reluctant
to carry a firearm and instead pursue other means of protection. There
are a variety of options for protecting yourself if you are not comfortable
with possessing or do not desire to carry a concealed firearm. Two readily-available
options are pepper spray and stun guns. You may have already purchased
these devices for yourself or your loved ones. The question remains whether
or not you have educated yourself and/or the recipient regarding
the legal ramifications of carrying such a device. This post will discuss the rights and limitations concerning these devices.
Pepper spray comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is typically sold
in keychain-sized canisters that require the pressing of a button to administer
the spray. The spray then disrupts the physical senses of the person once
it contacts the skin or is inhaled. Pepper spray is currently legal to
carry in Ohio for self-defense purposes. Ohio has a rather liberal view
on pepper spray. There are no restrictions on the sale, size, possession,
or formulation. It can be carried concealed or out in the open in what
is known as open carry. Pepper spray is not considered a "dangerous
weapon" in Ohio. (See Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11 Notes of Decision,
Note 3, Sec. 7).
There are several warnings one must consider. First, if pepper spray is
not used for self-defense purposes, then it is considered a use of force.
Use of pepper spray must be justified. Second, one must be cautious of
any rules and restrictions regarding pepper spray in schools and work
places. You should consult your employee handbook and school handbooks
for further details. Additionally, local restrictions may exist in your
geographic location. You should consult local law enforcement or an attorney
regarding restrictions in your area. In sum, before you purchase pepper
spray or any other tool utilized for self-defense, it is vital that you
first take steps to understand your rights and the legal limitations associated
with the possession and use of such a weapon.
Stun guns are another currently-available option. Stun guns are small handheld
devices that emit a wire that administers an electrical shock once it
contacts the skin. The current is strong enough to disable the threat
posed by a person without inflicting extreme damage to the body in most
instances. Stun guns are legal to carry in Ohio for self-defense purposes.
Ohio has a liberal view on stun guns, as well. They can be carried concealed
or "open carry." They are not considered a "firearm,"
so no concealed weapons permit is required. However, stun guns could potentially
be considered a "deadly weapon" depending on the circumstances.
(See Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11).
Similar to pepper spray, if stun guns are not used for self-defense purposes,
they can be considered a use of force. The use of a stun gun requires
justification. Additionally, if used in the commission of a crime, the
perpetrator may face higher offense levels, which translates into the
potential for greater penalties. Stun guns are not permitted on planes,
federal buildings, or state buildings. They also are typically not permitted
in work places or schools. You should consult your employee handbook and
school handbooks for further details. It is a crime to carry a deadly
weapon on school property and only law enforcement is exempt from this
restriction. (See Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122). Local restrictions
may also add further limits their use, so be sure to contact your local
law enforcement agency or an attorney for clarification regarding regulations
for your specific geographic location.
Overall, there are alternative options available for protecting and defending
yourself and your family outside of carrying a concealed firearm. Ohio
law provides great flexibility when choosing between pepper spray and
stun gun options. However, one must be aware of the legal ramifications
when carrying these devices.
Be sure to educate yourself on how to properly and safely use the device
so that you can provide the safest and most effective means of defense
for yourself and your loved ones. It is important to familiarize yourself
with the rules and regulations that pertain to any self-defense weapon
you may choose to utilize. The laws will be different amongst the various
jurisdictions and change over time.
If you have questions regarding self-defense in Ohio,
call the criminal defense lawyers at our firm in Cleveland, Ohio for a free initial consultation
. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to assist you with issues pertaining
to self-defense and weapons-related offenses and questions.