Dayton, OH asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Ohio

Q: Does a 72 hour hold (OH) prevent someone from purchasing/owning firearms? Pink slip from a doctor, no judge involved.

A couple years ago I was pink slipped by a doctor to be placed on a 72 hour hold for severe anxiety. No judge was involved, I was not held passed the 72 hours, I never saw a judge or heard from an attorney. Everything was done in house by doctors and medical staff.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you were placed on a 72-hour hold (often called a "pink slip") in Ohio due to a mental health crisis, it generally does not, by itself, prohibit you from purchasing or owning firearms. A 72-hour hold initiated by a doctor is considered a temporary detention for evaluation and does not typically meet the criteria for a legal prohibition under federal or Ohio state law. For a firearms restriction to apply, there usually needs to be a court order or a formal commitment process involving a judge's decision.

However, if the 72-hour hold led to further legal action, such as being adjudicated as mentally ill by a court, that could result in restrictions on firearm ownership. Since you mentioned that a judge was not involved and you were released after the 72 hours, it is unlikely that this has affected your rights.

To be certain of your current status regarding firearm ownership, you might want to consult with legal counsel or check with local law enforcement. They can provide a more comprehensive review of your records to ensure there are no restrictions. It's important to stay informed about the specifics of your situation to avoid any potential legal issues.

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