OB-1 said:
I try not to frequent Criminal Safety Zones, but, unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary. The important thing to remember when carrying a concealed weapon is to keep it concealed! Essentially, the only time anyone should know you’re carrying a concealed weapon is when they’ve crossed that line and you have no choice but to apply deadly force. Hopefully, no one will ever know you are carrying a concealed weapon.
OB-1:
While I don't disagree with that advice, here in OH it's quite dangerous.
A "private" CPZ (the criminal-friendly folks in the legislature set things up so that criminal-friendly businesses can post their
parking lots) is a misdemeanor. You don't want to collect more than a few of these (and they can cost you about half the price of a P3-AT), but until we get Lautenberg'd, merely bad advice since telling somebody to commit a crime is a crime in itself.
We also (bless the criminal-friendly folks) have two other CPZ classes that can be very hazardous to your freedom and wealth:
1. There's a whole list of
buildings that we paid for that are off limits, and a
Felony to enter while armed. This includes things like Police Stations, Courthouses, and about any "government" property, including fun things like Ohio Turnpike Service Plaza buildings (but not the grounds), and Rest Stops on other roadways. But not the parking lots. Criminals, of course, may go armed in the buildings.... (This also includes County Fairs and Parks, where us second-class citizens can usually - some local governments don't understand the law or are criminal-friendly enough to violate it - use the grounds, but not enter the buildings, including the rest rooms.) Just coming into an enumerated CPZ (which is what most of us call the above facilities) to take the kid to a quick pit stop is a Felony.... All of these
must be posted, with a sign designed to trap the unwary. Says "unless authorized by law" or some such. "Licensed" folks from other states may not know that the A/G has specifically stated that
"it doesn't apply to us." (HR218 folks and off-duty LEO's are also restricted.)
2. Bars are off limits too. But there's no "51%" provision. ANY place that serves alcohol is a CPZ. But there's no requirement to post at all.... There's a nice restaurant in a hotel lobby north of Columbus that you actually have to sit down and see the "cards" on the tables or observe other diners to find out that they serve....
We're supposed to know.... It's a "must arrest" Felony too.... This is a little oversimplified, and the A/G has specifically told us that a hotel
lobby is OK if you're trying to register, but has some cuties in it - for example, if your favorite grocery store has "wine tastings", the area in which the tasting is being done is off limits. The only good news is that if sales of liquor are not for on-premises consumption you're generally OK. I like to drive over to PA where I'm not a second-class citizen. Criminals, naturally, don't need to observe this rule.... (HR218's and off-duty LEO's are not exempt.)
The other night there was a shooting at a school ball field. Also a CPZ. The only Security was the signs. Worked real good.... If you're taking your kid to school (or picking him/her up), you can't even drive onto the property with your weapon
in the vehicle....
We're working on this, but the same criminal-friendly legislators are being their usual helpful selves....
And don't carry into the Post Office either....
Regards,
) we had that sign up and were told it referred to the help.
so I use that when necessary. I can do about anything else I need from my office. I can also ask 'em to come and pick up, but I've always been too cheap.
