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Bill would increase prison sentences for repeat violent offenders who use firearms
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
State lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to increase prison sentences for repeat violent offenders who use firearms.
Senate Bill 97, titled the Violent Career Criminal Act, would enable judges to issue mandatory prison sentences of two to 11 years for those convicted of violent crimes, with longer terms when firearms are involved.
Repeat violent criminals also would face mandatory prison time of up to 11 years for possessing a firearm.
“Law enforcement sees the same people committing violent crimes time after time after time,” said Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine, who supports the legislation. “The fact is, these individuals shouldn’t have guns in the first place.”
He added, “There’s always room, I believe, behind bars for those individuals who have demonstrated they’re violent and whose presence in society continues to threaten the safety of our children and our families.”
SB 97 stems from an advisory group formed by the attorney general’s office several years ago to help law enforcement find ways to deal with gun violence.
According to statistics compiled as part of the process, Ohio’s largest urban counties accounted for more than 90 percent of felony violence charges statewide, and “violent career criminals” were responsible for 57 percent of violent crimes committed.