Over the years I had numerous occasions to speak with victims of domestic violence, assault and a multitude of crimes that shook those victims to the bone. When a person has had their home broken into a common feeling is of being violated. To be helpless in the face of evil will make any normal person feel this way.
Sometimes the victims would ask about carrying a gun. Before the CCW License laws were enacted in Ohio, the people were justified to carry a firearm when their job or circumstances were of such a nature that any reasonable person would carry a weapon. The “Reasonable person” rule is an actual term used in the United States legal system.
Ohio has a remedy for those who do not wish to carry without a permit and it is called an “Emergency CCW Permit.” This is a permit given by the County Sheriff that is good for 90 days and can only be renewed once for a second 90 day period.
To obtain an Emergency CCW Permit the victim must present a sworn affidavit to the Sheriff stating why that person has reason to fear for their life and want to carry a gun. Also the person can present a police report showing an incident just happening that would justify the sheriff to issue the permit.
The permit fee is $15 submitted with the application. Presenting the required information to the person responsible for issuing CCW Permits requires that you not be disqualified from carrying a concealed weapon. The same disqualifications apply that would apply to purchasing a firearm. Examples being a convicted or indicted felon or domestic violence, aged 21, being insane and so on.
The applicant will still be subject to a background check by the sheriff through the Ohio BCI and/or FBI. This also includes being fingerprinted.
Then of course if after obtaining the Emergency CCW Permit you still feel the need or just want to continue carrying, you would take the CCW Course and get the common permit.
After the Emergency Permit is in effect, the holder is still required to follow all the rules the same as a normal CCW Permit holder. The Sheriff has a booklet available from the Ohio Attorney General explaining CCW laws and rules.
Being the victim of a crime does not mean you must remain helpless. The first action to start fighting back could be obtaining the permit, going to the range and learning how to fire the gun and practicing with it. Who knows, you may even find a new hobby as target shooting can become an enjoyable addiction.
