The following is a video transcript.
Meet Ohio Independent Program Attorney: Wilkes Ellsworth
Hello U.S. LawShield members, it’s Wilkes Ellsworth, your Independent Program Attorney for Ohio. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I’m the attorney responsible for making sure all the legal needs of our Ohio members are taken care of. Whether that be returning phone calls, answering questions, or representing them in an official capacity in courts around the state.
I also travel the Buckeye State, giving seminars on gun laws to our members and prospective members, which, allows me some personal interaction. But with thousands and thousands of members and growing in the state, I certainly don’t get to meet you all. So, I thought this might be helpful so that members can know who is on the other end of the line. They can understand who will be there for them in those unfortunate circumstances requiring my representation.
Let me back up a minute…
To give you a little background on myself and how I came to partner with U.S. LawShield. I’ve been a licensed attorney for almost 23 years in the state of Ohio. By concentrating my representation on those involved in litigation, whether it be individuals charged with criminal offenses, many involving firearms, of course, to those who are being sued in civil courts. I’m a trial attorney at heart and relish the opportunity to go to bat for my clients, and zealously represent their interests. I’m comfortable in this role and take great satisfaction in guiding my clients through the tumultuous legal system when I am called upon to do so.
I just felt it suited me, and I have not looked back since. That’s why when U.S. LawShield was rolling their program out in Ohio and was seeking an attorney in the state who they could trust with the most important tasks related to the representation of their membership, I jumped at the opportunity.
First and foremost…
I love this country, and I love the fact that the Second Amendment supports our rights to carry and own firearms, so that we may protect ourselves and others. Those of you who have come out to hear me at gun law seminars know that I say it every time. If you take nothing else from this presentation, you’ll know that guy is out here for us. That was three years ago, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. With all honesty, I can say that some of the most rewarding experiences I have had as an attorney in my 23 years have come from successfully representing U.S. LawShield members. Seeing their lives restored after prosecution for a crime or a civil suit involving their firearm, and the feeling that I get at the end of that process cannot be overstated.
I always hope it never happens, but inevitably it does on occasion, and we must deal with it. Just wanted you to know who was out there for you and thought this was a good way to speak to everyone. Now take advantage of your membership. Call me anytime with any questions you might have. I am always here to help you in any way I can. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the members of U.S. LawShield for years to come.
Excellent presentation, great to put a face with a Name.
Glad to hear first hand the experience Mr Ellsworth has and his enthusiasm confirmed.
Thank you Sir !
Mr. Ellsworth;
Greetings! According to the Ohio AGs booklet relating to the CCW laws, it says that the Sheriff has 45 days to issue or deny. My question is, is that 45 ‘calendar days’ or ‘standard business days’? As of 8 Dec, it has already been 31 business days (43 calendar days) since I applied at the Sheriff’s office. The deputy told me then he wasn’t going to issue, then he pulled out a 1″ thick folder of my past ‘SEALED’ records. At which time I ‘reminded’ him that pg 8 says they ‘SHALL NOT’ consider those, plus I showed him a signed letter from the judge saying that all records for me were to be ‘destroyed/deleted immediately, so he was indeed defying a court order at which time he chuckled and said: “we’ll see!”.
Mr. Elsworth;
Greetings! As I will soon be an NRA-certified pistol instructor (as well as RSO/CRSO), a question has come up that I couldn’t answer. Q#1 – When a person has a valid Ohio CCW permit and is in their car ‘holstered’ they are in compliance with Ohio law. However, if they place that firearm on the seat, console, etc., and if stopped by an LEO, are they not now violating the law according to Section B, 2923.16 ‘Improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle? I know, splitting hairs!
Gary,This is a great question. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line to get an answer from an independent program attorney at 877-448-6839.