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CCW stands for carrying a concealed weapon. In Ohio, persons can obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun, pursuant to R.C. 2329.125. The CCW licensee (license holder) must comply with the laws of Ohio at all times.

When stopped by law enforcement, the license holder is not required to inform the law enforcement officer that he or she is not carrying a concealed handgun. However, if the license holder is carrying a concealed handgun, the license holder must promptly notify the law enforcement officer that he or she is carrying a concealed handgun. If the license holder is in a vehicle, the license holder must remain in the vehicle and keep his or her hands in plain sight at all times. The failure to remain in the vehicle and keep their hands in plain sight is a first-degree misdemeanor and may result in the license holder being suspended for one year.

During the entire stop, the license holder cannot have or attempt to have any contact with the handgun unless instructed to by the law enforcement officer. Touching the concealed handgun without permission from the law enforcement officer is a felony and may result in the permanent revocation of a CCW license.

Also, the license holder must not knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order given by the law enforcement officer. The failure to do so is a first-degree misdemeanor and may result in the CCW license being suspended for two years.

If a license holder is pulled over while carrying a concealed handgun, the Ohio Attorney General recommends the following:

• Before the law enforcement officer approaches your vehicle, roll down the window and place your hands in plain view on the steering wheel;
• Calmly tell the officer that you have a license to carry a concealed handgun and that you have the handgun with you;
• Ask the law enforcement officer if he or she has any instructions concerning the handgun;
• Do not touch or attempt to touch the handgun unless instructed to do so by the law enforcement officer;
• Do not exit the vehicle unless told to by the law enforcement officer; and
• Follow all orders given by the law enforcement officer.

If you have any questions about how to obtain a CCW license, or what your responsibilities are as a license holder, you should consult an attorney. John Izzo of Graff & McGovern can be reached at 614-228-5800, extension 5.