Lebanon Ohio Legal Blog

How Will the New Cincinnati Pot Law Affect You?

Cincinnati City Council has voted to decriminalize the possession of marijuana within the city limits.

Replacing the city's previous ordinance on marijuana, the new minor misdemeanor for possession of cannabis will carry no jail time, fines, or criminal record as long as you possess less than 100 grams (roughly 3.5 ounces). While marijuana penalties throughout the state have been eased in recent years, the removal of a criminal record for possession could be the biggest development, as a record of criminal drug use can have very negative effects for your job and your future.

What does this new law mean for residents and visitors of Cincinnati and the surrounding municiplaities, townships, and counties?

Ohio has relatively broad laws permitting firearms as compared to other states. As with any dangerous tool, however, ownership of a firearm comes with rules and responsibilities for the owner. One of which, as with motor vehicles, is the imperative that you not use your weapon while intoxicated.

Penalties for using firearms while intoxicated

Using weapons along with drugs or alcohol is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The use of a firearm while intoxicated could carry a penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine depending on the circumstances.

However, if a law enforcement officers makes additional charges stemming from the same incident, such as OVI, possession of drugs, or probation violations, you may find yourself charged with a felony (serious crimes that carry a penalty of a year in prison or more).

Ohio law allows the transport of weapons in cars both by those with a concealed carry license and those without. There are, however, laws regulating the handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and failure to adhere to these laws could result in serious fines, jail time, loss of a concealed carry license, or even the right to open carry.

The arrest of a minor can be traumatic for the child and a shock for the parent. Processing so many emotions and so much information quickly can be overwhelming.

Because Ohio’s juvenile justice system likes to move quickly, contacting counsel promptly will be important for both legal help and perspective.