Ohio § 2923.123
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2923.123.
(A) No person shall knowingly convey or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous
ordnance into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which a courtroom
is located. (B) No person shall knowingly possess or have under the person's control a deadly weapon
or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse or in another building or structure in which
a courtroom is located. (C) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a judge of a court of record
of this state or a magistrate; (2) A peace officer, officer of a law enforcement agency, or person who is in either
of the following categories: (a) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a peace officer, or an officer
of a law enforcement agency of another state, a political subdivision of another state,
or the United States, who is authorized to carry a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance,
who possesses or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous
ordnance as a requirement of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the
scope of that individual's duties at the time of that possession or control; (b) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a person who is employed in this
state, who is authorized to carry a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, who possesses
or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as a
requirement of that person's duties, and who is subject to and in compliance with
the requirements of section 109.801 of the Revised Code , unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption
provided in division (C)(2)(b) of this section does not apply to the person. (3) A person who conveys, attempts to convey, possesses, or has under the person's control
a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance that is to be used as evidence in a pending
criminal or civil action or proceeding; (4) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a bailiff or deputy bailiff of
a court of record of this state who is authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to section 109.77 of the Revised Code , who possesses or has under that individual's control a firearm as a requirement
of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the scope of that individual's
duties at the time of that possession or control; (5) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a prosecutor, or a secret service
officer appointed by a county prosecuting attorney, who is authorized to carry a deadly
weapon or dangerous ordnance in the performance of the individual's duties, who possesses
or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as a
requirement of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the scope of that
individual's duties at the time of that possession or control; (6) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a person who conveys or attempts
to convey a handgun into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which
a courtroom is located, if the person has been issued a concealed handgun license
that is valid at the time of the conveyance or attempt or, at the time of the conveyance
or attempt, the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United
States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful
completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described
in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code , and if in either case the person transfers possession of the handgun to the officer
or officer's designee who has charge of the courthouse or building. The officer shall secure the handgun until the licensee is prepared to leave the
premises. The exemption described in this division applies only if the officer who has charge
of the courthouse or building provides services of the nature described in this division. An officer who has charge of the courthouse or building is not required to offer
services of the nature described in this division. (D)(1) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of illegal conveyance of
a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon
or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of division (A) or
(B) of this section, illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into
a courthouse is a felony of the fourth degree. (2) Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of illegal possession or
control of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession or control of
a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of division (A) or
(B) of this section, illegal possession or control of a deadly weapon or dangerous
ordnance in a courthouse is a felony of the fourth degree. (E) The exemptions described in divisions (C)(1), (2)(a), (2)(b), (4), (5), and (6) of
this section do not apply to any judge, magistrate, peace officer, officer of a law
enforcement agency, bailiff, deputy bailiff, prosecutor, secret service officer, or
other person described in any of those divisions if a rule of superintendence or another
type of rule adopted by the supreme court pursuant to Article IV, Ohio Constitution , or an applicable local rule of court prohibits all persons from conveying or attempting
to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse or into another
building or structure in which a courtroom is located or from possessing or having
under one's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse or in another
building or structure in which a courtroom is located. (F) As used in this section: (1) “ Magistrate ” means an individual who is appointed by a court of record of this state and who
has the powers and may perform the functions specified in Civil Rule 53 , Criminal Rule 19 , or Juvenile Rule 40 . (2) “Peace officer” and “prosecutor” have the same meanings as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code .
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2923.123
What does Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123 cover?
Section 2923.123 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 2923.123?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 2923.123 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.