CHAPTER 2. Procedure Where Agency Believes Return of Weapon Would Create Danger [18400. - 18420.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 2.

in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18400. Section 18400.

(a) When a law enforcement agency has reasonable cause to believe that the return of a firearm or other deadly weapon seized under this division would be likely to result in endangering the victim or the person who reported the assault or threat, the agency shall so advise the owner of the firearm or other deadly weapon, and within 60 days of the date of seizure, initiate a petition in superior court to determine if the firearm or other deadly weapon should be returned. (b) The law enforcement agency may make an ex parte application stating good cause for an order extending the time to file a petition. (c) Including any extension of time granted in response to an ex parte request, a petition must be filed within 90 days of the date of seizure of the firearm or other deadly weapon.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18405. Section 18405.

(a) If a petition is filed under Section 18400, the law enforcement agency shall inform the owner or person who had lawful possession of the firearm or other deadly weapon, at that person’s last known address, by registered mail, return receipt requested, that the person has 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice to respond to the court clerk to confirm the person’s desire for a hearing, and that the failure to respond shall result in a default order forfeiting the confiscated firearm or other deadly weapon. (b) For purposes of this section, the person’s last known address shall be presumed to be the address provided to the law enforcement officer by that person at the time of the domestic violence incident. (c) In the event the person whose firearm or other deadly weapon was seized does not reside at the last address provided to the agency, the agency shall make a diligent, good faith effort to learn the whereabouts of the person and to comply with these notification requirements.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18410. Section 18410.

(a) If the person who receives a petition under Section 18405 requests a hearing, the court clerk shall set a hearing no later than 30 days from receipt of that request. (b) The court clerk shall notify the person, the law enforcement agency involved, and the district attorney of the date, time, and place of the hearing. (c) Unless it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the return of the firearm or other deadly weapon would result in endangering the victim or the person reporting the assault or threat, the court shall order the return of the firearm or other deadly weapon and shall award reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18415. Section 18415.

If the person who receives a petition under Section 18405 does not request a hearing or does not otherwise respond within 30 days of the receipt of the notice, the law enforcement agency may file a petition for an order of default and may dispose of the firearm or other deadly weapon as provided in Sections 18000 and 18005.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18420. Section 18420.

(a) If, at a hearing under Section 18410, the court does not order the return of the firearm or other deadly weapon to the owner or person who had lawful possession, that person may petition the court for a second hearing within 12 months from the date of the initial hearing. (b) If there is a petition for a second hearing, unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the return of the firearm or other deadly weapon would result in endangering the victim or the person reporting the assault or threat, the court shall order the return of the firearm or other deadly weapon and shall award reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party. (c) If the owner or person who had lawful possession does not petition the court within this 12-month period for a second hearing or is unsuccessful at the second hearing in gaining return of the firearm or other deadly weapon, the firearm or other deadly weapon may be disposed of as provided in Sections 18000 and 18005.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026