Interesting new framework that allows CA law enforcement to give a gun owner a time-out from their firearms and ammo based solely on accusation or suspicion, or even purchasing habits. No contest, no forewarning. If there was a verge of outright confiscation, this is about it.
Bough a few thousand rounds for some weekend fun or a rainy day? You may lose all your firearms.
Bough a few thousand rounds for some weekend fun or a rainy day? You may lose all your firearms.
Under the law, the factors a judge can consider in granting the restraining order include not only threats of violence, but also prior felony arrests (even without a conviction), evidence of alcohol abuse, and even the simple act of recently purchasing a gun or ammunition.
Once granted, police can use the restraining order to confiscate all of a person’s guns and ammunition, and the person is also barred from buying or possessing guns and ammo for the duration of the order. A full court hearing must then be heard within three weeks. At that hearing, a judge will be able to extend the restraining order for an entire year.
“The law gives us a vehicle to cause the person to surrender their weapons, to have a time out, if you will,” Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Michael Moore told Southern California Public Radio. “It allows further examination of the person’s mental state.”
The law expands on California gun laws that are already some of the country’s toughest. Police already have the power to seize a person’s guns if a licensed therapist informs them that the person’s mental state makes them a danger to themselves or others.
Once granted, police can use the restraining order to confiscate all of a person’s guns and ammunition, and the person is also barred from buying or possessing guns and ammo for the duration of the order. A full court hearing must then be heard within three weeks. At that hearing, a judge will be able to extend the restraining order for an entire year.
“The law gives us a vehicle to cause the person to surrender their weapons, to have a time out, if you will,” Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Michael Moore told Southern California Public Radio. “It allows further examination of the person’s mental state.”
The law expands on California gun laws that are already some of the country’s toughest. Police already have the power to seize a person’s guns if a licensed therapist informs them that the person’s mental state makes them a danger to themselves or others.
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