In Ohio, If someone has a personal lock which needs to be opened for which they have lost the key, is it illegal to possess lock picking tools?
<p>For easier reference, here is Ohio law on the subject:</p>
<p><a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/ohio/2011/title29/chapter2923/section2923-24/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://law.justia.com/codes/ohio/2011/title29/chapter2923/section2923-24/</a></p>
<p>It would appear to violate B2, but I am curious how a locksmith would operate legally under the same conditions.</p>

<p>Note that an essential element of the offense here is &quot;<strong>with purpose to use it criminally.</strong>&quot;</p>
<p>The specifications in B allow a presumption of such purpose, but such a presumption is rebuttable.</p>
<p>The tools of a locksmith are somewhat different from those of a criminal &quot;cracksman&quot;, I understand, and would probably not be considered &quot;designed or specially adapted for criminal use&quot;. But even if they were, proof of regular employment as a locksmith would tend to rebut the presumption of criminal intent.</p>
<p>Possession of tools with the intent of lawfully opening one's own lock would not be criminal intent, but a judge or jury might not be convinced of that.</p>

ohio