News Summary

HAMILTON — Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper says a state bill aimed at changing Ohio's conceal and carry law would make prosecutors and law enforcement officials' jobs more difficult when a shooter claims self-defense.

Major law enforcement groups also said this week that they oppose Gov. Ted Strickland's support of a bill that would allow protection against prosecution for those who kill an attacker in self-defense.

Under the bill Strickland favors, people who injure or kill an attacker in self-defense no longer would shoulder the burden to prove their actions were justifiable.

Director John Murphy of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association said the bill could allow drug dealers to claim self-defense in shootings of rivals in deals that go sour.

"The people it works to benefit are criminals who ought to be convicted," Murphy said.

Piper agreed. If the law is changed, the state would have to prove someone claiming self-defense is not telling the truth. "They don't have to prove the reasonableness of their actions."

The problem is a suspect does not have to make a statement to police and the state cannot compel him or her to testify, he said.

Currently, a defendant must present evidence proving they were threatened and "that taking a life was a reasonable act in the circumstances," Piper said.

Piper said the current law allows for self-defense so there is no need to muddy the waters with a confusing law.

NRA lobbyist John Hohenwarter countered that the bill would put an end to "people getting dragged into court for defending themselves."

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the bill does seem confusing, however, "I support the right of people to defend their home and family when they feel threatened."

The bill has cleared the Senate, and a House vote is upcoming.

Vote for this story!