Ohio ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law in Effect

The state of Ohio has a new law regarding the use of deadly force.

Ohio’s “Stand Your Ground” legislation was signed into
law in January, but officially takes effect across the state Tuesday.

“It takes that requirement to retreat and if somebody does feel
their life is in danger they don’t have to have that burden of proof that they
tried to retreat. They have the right to defend themselves,” said Sheriff Matt
Lutz, Muskingum County.

Prior to the law being implemented it was a requirement that
someone who used deadly force had to show they attempted to retreat from the
situation before firing a weapon.

Sheriff Lutz does not anticipate the changes in the new law will
have any negative consequences in Muskingum County.

“I’ve seen some statements where people think this is going to
escalate shootings. I don’t feel that here. I think some places that are
already having shootings you may end up with more people using self-defense and
the suspects may get shot more,” said Lutz.

Though people using deadly force no longer have to show they
retreated prior to firing a weapon they still must have a legitimate fear for
their life or serious bodily injury. Additionally, they must legally be allowed
to be at the location and they cannot be the person who started an altercation.