If You Have Been Served With a Restraining Order
The state of California and Contra Costa County require that anyone subject to a Restraining Order (RO) turn over, sell or store any firearms they own, possess or control (unless the restrained person is specifically exempted from this prohibition on the order).
If you are under a restraining order, you may not own, possess or control guns, gun parts or ammunition while the RO is in effect. If you have guns, gun parts or ammunition you must, by law, either:
– Turn these items in to law enforcement, OR
– Sell or store them with a licensed gun dealer, AND
– File proof that you have done this with the Court and law enforcement.
You must turn in all guns, gun parts and ammunition within 24 hours of being served with the RO, and file proof with the court and law enforcement within 48 hours of being served. Specific instructions for turning in, selling or storing your firearms in Contra Costa County can be found on this California Courts page. In Domestic Violence Restraining Order cases, tThe form “Receipt for Firearms, Firearm Parts, and Ammunition” (DV800/JV270) must be filed with the court. For other cases, please review the paperwork you received from the court.
If you are experiencing abuse or violence at home, you are not alone. Help is available. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
CALL SAFEDON’T WAIT!
The judge will check your file for your relinquishment receipt. If you do not turn in all guns/parts/ammunition, and file the receipt within 48 hours, the judge will review the file or hold a hearing where you will be expected to appear and explain why you haven not complied. If the court finds you are non-compliant with the relinquishment order, the court must report the non-compliance to law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney (District Attorney).
This violation may be filed as a criminal charge and may:
– Change your access to your children.
– Result in civil contempt and fines.
– Result in your arrest.
You can find more information about forms you have received on this California Courts page.
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Learn MoreNeed more help?
A protective order is not a complete solution, but it can be an important part of a safety plan. Stay Safe Contra Costa can help you connect with resources for you and your family in Contra Costa. To learn more about protective orders and other safety options, please explore the following links:
Bay Area Legal Aid provides legal advice to DV survivors and holds weekly Restraining Order clinics.
Advice line: 1-800-551-5544.
To make a clinic appointment call STAND! or Family Justice Center.
baylegal.org
Contact a Navigator at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center
Antioch: 925-281-0970
Concord: 925-521-6366
Danville: 925-486-0100
Fairfield 707-784-7635
Richmond: 510-974-7200
Free consultations with Lawyers for Family Justice are available.
ContraCostafamilyjustice.org
Connect with a Domestic Violence Advocate at STAND! for Families Free of Violence
24-Hour Crisis Line
888-215-5555
Standoff.org
Funded by the California Board of State and Community
Corrections Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP) through Contra
Costa Employment and Human Services Department Alliance to End Abuse.