Stark County Sheriff Shield


     Sheriff Tim Swanson reports the Stark County Sheriff’s Office has received and implemented the changes to the current Carry Concealed Weapons law. Effective on March 14th, 2007 were the following changes to the law;

  • Applicants must be living in the United States legally
  • Has been a resident of the county or the adjacent county for at least thirty (30) days
  • If it is determined resident is legally living in the United States but has not met the county residency requirement, the Sheriff shall not deny application but shall hold application until residency is met
  • Applicant is not able to apply for or renew a concealed carry license if under suspension
  • Sheriff shall accept applications at least fifteen (15) hours a week and post notice of hours that applications will be accepted. The hours must be during normal business hours
  • $67.00 in license fee if the person has lived in Ohio for 5 consecutive years or more. $91.00 if the person has lived in Ohio less than 5 consecutive years
  • Sheriff must obtain at least four (4) fingerprints of applicant’s fingers. NOTE! The Sheriff SHALL still consider expunged or sealed records (No change from original law)
  • The license is valid for five (5) years of issuance if issued after 3/14/07 those before that date are only good for four (4) years
  • If license is denied, the denial will be heard in the county in which the Sheriff serves
  • License renewal cannot be earlier than ninety (90) days nor later than thirty (30) days for renewal
  • Person/driver/occupant has duty to inform law enforcement officer or motor carrier officer that they are armed when approached in vehicle
  • Licensee must keep hands in plain sight at all times while in motor vehicle and armed and do as directed by law enforcement officer
  • DO NOT attempt to remove weapon from holster, box or compartment unless directed to do so by law enforcement officer
  • DO NOT knowingly grasp, attempt to grasp or touch loaded weapon while in vehicle unless directed to do so by law enforcement officer
  • DO NOT exit vehicle unless ordered to do so by law enforcement officer
  • DO NOT fail to comply with all directions of law enforcement officer
  • Penalties have been enhanced for convictions as follows:
    • Carrying Concealed Weapon 2923.12 (B)(1) and (2)
    • Carrying a Concealed Weapon 2923.12 (E)(3) and (4) will result in a suspension for one (1) year
      • Carrying a Concealed Weapon 2923.12 (B)(4)
      • Improperly Handling a firearm in a motor vehicle will result in a suspension for two (2) years

Method of Carry
  • On person
    • concealed – NO Change
  • In motor vehicle
    • In holster attached to person (plain sight removed)
    • In a closed case, bag, box or other container in plain sight that has a lid, cover or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap or buckle, and which lid, cover or closing mechanism must be opened to gain access to handgun
    • Securely encased by being stored in a closed, locked glove compartment or in a case that is locked (plain sight removed)
  • Suspended licenses will all be entered into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System
  • An arrest for disqualifying offense 2923.128(A)(1)(a) suspension begins at arrest or charge
  • A conviction for disqualifying offense 2923.128(A)(2)(a) suspension begins on date of conviction
  • Sheriff shall notify licensee in writing of ending date of one (1) or two (2) year suspension
  • Sheriff shall return license when suspension is over unless license has expired during suspension, licensee may not reapply until suspension is over.
  • Law Enforcement Officer are exempt from all Carrying Concealed Weapons Laws, including transportation in a motor vehicle and carrying in prohibited places if:
    • Officer is qualified peace officer employed in Ohio
    • Re-qualification (weapon) requirement is met
    • Officer is authorized by agency head
  • Qualified RETIRED Peace Officer enjoy safe rights as Concealed Cary license holder if following is met:
    • Has an Agency issued retired ID Card and has retired in good standing (no mental instability)
    • Person was authorized to or participated in prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution, incarceration and had statutory authority to arrest
    • Receives bona fide retirement benefits
    • Successfully completes re-qualification annually
    • Must have certification from agency which includes retiree’s name, Agency’s name, date course completed and states valid for one (1) year

Since the law has gone into effect in 2004 the Stark County Sheriff’s Office has issued a total of the following:

  • License issued – 1482
  • Suspended – 7
  • Revoked – 3
  • Denied – 19
  • Temporary Emergency License – 1

In September (29th) of this year the law concerning the Journalist being able to obtain copy of those issued will change and they will only be allowed to view them.

I’ve also included the signage that will be posted in each of the two lobbies of the Stark County Sheriff’s Office as required by law. There is additional information listed on the sign to better serve the Stark County Community and will be available on our web site.

Signage -- C.C.W. Permits, Civilian Fingerprinting, Passport Identification Program - appointment hours and costs

Sheriff Tim Swanson
Stark County Sheriff