Gunowners could face charges if someone else uses their weapon in a crime

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — If you own a gun and are a law-abiding citizen, you can still be charged if your gun ends up in the wrong hands.

It’s important now more than ever to secure your firearms and make sure you know where they are at all times.

Gunowners can face legal action if their gun winds up in the hands of a minor or a criminal. And it all comes down to the circumstances.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, from 2017 to 2021, over 700,000 firearms were stolen from private citizens. That number could be larger, as some states do not require gunowners to register their firearms.

In the state of Ohio, you do not need a permit to purchase or register firearms — or even a permit to carry one. However, while your firearm may be in the hands of another, you could face charges if a crime is committed with your weapon.

“If you don’t knowingly do it, you can also be held criminally responsible,” said Nick Gounaris, a lawyer located in Dayton.

Guns are finding their way into neighborhoods and in some cases, those guns found at crime scenes are often stolen from their original owner. That’s why the simple act of reporting the theft can safe you from being charged.

“If you legitimately had your firearm stolen, its important to report it as such,” said Gounaris. “Otherwise, if that firearm is used in the commission of an offense, there will be scrutiny on the person who provided that firearm.”

If you do not secure your firearm, and it finds its way into the hands of a minor, you could also face charges of child endangering.

“There are increases in that felony offense, if that firearm is used for other criminal offenses,” said Gounaris.

And even if you don’t know that your firearm was stolen, and later find out it was used in a crime, it all comes down to the circumstances of how that gun was acquired.

“Think of it as this way – you live at home, you’ve got children, you don’t properly secure a firearm, the child gets access to that firearm. So that in itself can be a felony offense,” explained Gounaris. “Now take it one step further: that child, utilizes the firearm, fires it, and injures themselves, or others, that can also lead to criminally responsibility on the firearm owner.”

Securing your firearms is what is most important. It is also recommended that you keep an eye on your firearm at all times, out of reach of those who may take it and accidentally or intentionally discharge it.

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