Nothing like Ohio's draconian laws to brighten your day...
What a criminal lawyer will tell you: Criminal Tools
Every day in Ohio, there are many individuals who are charged with possession of criminal tools. Possession of criminal tools is a serious criminal offense in Ohio that is not treated lightly in a court of law. Penalties for a possession of criminal tools conviction can range from a first degree misdemeanor to a fifth degree felony, in addition to a variety of other consequences that will negatively impact your life.
Possession of criminal tools is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2923.24) as anyone who possesses or has under their control any substance, device, instrument or article with the purpose or intention of using it in a criminal act.
Possession of Criminal Tools Penalties
If you are convicted for possession of criminal tools, you will most likely be charged with a first degree misdemeanor. This entails up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
If you are convicted for possession of criminal tools and the circumstances indicate that the substance, device, instrument or article involved was intended to be part of a felony, then you will be charged with a fifth degree felony. This entails at least six months and up to one year in jail in addition to fines up to $2,500.
The legal mumbo-jumbo: 2006 Ohio Revised Code - 2923.24. Possessing criminal tools.
§ 2923.24. Possessing criminal tools.
(A) No person shall possess or have under the person's control any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it criminally.
(B ) Each of the following constitutes prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose:
(1) Possession or control of any dangerous ordnance, or the materials or parts for making dangerous ordnance, in the absence of circumstances indicating the dangerous ordnance, materials, or parts are intended for legitimate use;
(2) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article designed or specially adapted for criminal use;
(3) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article commonly used for criminal purposes, under circumstances indicating the item is intended for criminal use.
(C) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing criminal tools. Except as otherwise provided in this division, possessing criminal tools is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the circumstances indicate that the substance, device, instrument, or article involved in the offense was intended for use in the commission of a felony, possessing criminal tools is a felony of the fifth degree.
Trespassing in Ohio isn't a crime in it's self necessarily unless another crime(s) has also been committed... like having a set of lock picks. Can you say enhanced charges? Even if you avoid a conviction and jail it's going to set you back a couple grand easy if charged. Exploring the Ohio legal system as a felony charged defendant isn't the fun kind of exploring... Limiting your legal exposure while exploring can save you a lot of grief