The issue certified to this court is whether a conviction for attempted drug abuse falls within the proscriptions of R.C. 2923.13(A)(3). We conclude that it does. Consequently, we reverse the court of appeals and hold that one who is convicted of attempted drug abuse is prohibited from acquiring, having, carrying or using a firearm or dangerous ordnance pursuant to R.C. 2923.13(A)(3).
R.C. 2923.13(A)(3) provides:
“(A) Unless relieved from disability as provided in section 2923.14 of the Revised Code, no person shall knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance, if any of the following apply:
u * * *
“(3) Such person is under indictment for or has been convicted of any offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse, or has been adjudged a juvenile delinquent for commission of any such offense[.]”
The court of appeals ruled that while Moaning’s conviction for attempted drug abuse may have been an offense involving drug abuse, it was not an offense involving the “possession” or “use” of a drug of abuse. However, in State v. Lofties (1991),
When construing a legislative enactment, courts must look to the language used in the statute to ascertain the legislative intent. State v. Hill (1994),
Our interpretation is consistent with the Legislative Service Commission’s comment to R.C. 2923.13, as enacted by Am.Sub. H.B. No. 511, which states:
“This section is similar to a former prohibition against weapons in the hands of bad risks, including fugitives, certain felons, drug dependent persons, alcoholics, and mental incompetents. The section expands upon the former law by including within the prohibition persons under indictment for or who have been convicted of * * * any felony of violence or any drug abuse offense.” The comment is persuasive to the extent that it provides insight into the legislature’s analysis when drafting the law. The Legislative Service Commission’s comment is an indication of the legislature’s intent to broaden the scope of the disability statute.
It is a well-settled rule of statutory interpretation that statutory provisions be construed together and the Revised Code be read as an interrelated body of law. Wooster Republican Printing Co. v. Wooster (1978),
Should this court accept appellee’s interpretation that a conviction for attempted drug abuse is not included within the meaning of R.C. 2923.13(A)(3), the result would be illogical and produce unintended consequences. According to appellee’s construction of the statute, one who successfully completes a drug abuse offense would be under a disability and would be prohibited from possessing a weapon. Yet one who tried to commit the same offense but did not complete it would not be prohibited from possessing a weapon.
If the purpose of the statute is to keep weapons out of the hands of those involved with drugs, then it is likewise important to keep weapons away from a person who attempts to commit an illegal drug abuse offense yet fails. Omission of the offense of attempted drug abuse from the meaning of subsection (A)(3) would thwart the intent and purpose of the statute by granting leniency to an individual who intended and attempted to commit a drug abuse offense but was unable to complete it. One who cannot even successfully complete an offense involving drugs may be even more dangerous with a weapon in his or her hands.
Therefore, we hold that a conviction for attempted drug abuse imposes a disability pursuant to R.C. 2923.13(A)(3). The court of appeals is reversed and the judgment of the trial court is reinstated.
Judgment reversed.