OH HB498

Eliminates the duty to retreat for persons not engaged in illegal activity who are lawfully present in any location before using reasonable force, including deadly force, in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of residence

Creates a right to pretrial immunity hearings in both criminal and civil cases where defendants claim self-defense; shifts burden to prosecution to prove by clear and convincing evidence that force was not justified

Expands presumption of self-defense to cover use of deadly force in residences, occupied vehicles, places of business or employment, and any location where the person is lawfully present when facing unlawful entry or forcible removal

Grants immunity from arrest, criminal charges, prosecution, and civil liability for persons who use reasonable force in accordance with self-defense laws; requires probable cause that force was unjustified before arrest

Requires courts to award treble damages plus attorney's fees, court costs, lost income, and expenses to defendants found immune from prosecution or civil action; counties must pay damages in criminal cases