CHAPTER 2. Temporary Emergency Gun Violence Restraining Order [18125. - 18148.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 2.

in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18125. Section 18125.

(a) A temporary emergency gun violence restraining order may be issued on an ex parte basis only if a law enforcement officer asserts, and a judicial officer finds, that there is reasonable cause to believe both of the following: (1) The subject of the petition poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition. (2) A temporary emergency gun violence restraining order is necessary to prevent personal injury to the subject of the petition or another because less restrictive alternatives either have been tried and found to be ineffective, or have been determined to be inadequate or inappropriate for the circumstances of the subject of the petition. (b) A temporary emergency gun violence restraining order issued pursuant to this chapter shall prohibit the subject of the petition from having in his or her custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, a firearm or ammunition, and shall expire 21 days from the date the order is issued.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18130. Section 18130.

A temporary emergency gun violence restraining order is valid only if it is issued by a judicial officer after making the findings required by Section 18125 and pursuant to a specific request by a law enforcement officer.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18135. Section 18135.

(a) A temporary emergency gun violence restraining order issued under this chapter shall include all of the following: (1) A statement of the grounds supporting the issuance of the order. (2) The date and time the order expires. (3) The address of the superior court for the county in which the restrained party resides. (4) The following statement: “To the restrained person: This order will last until the date and time noted above. You are required to surrender all firearms, ammunition, and magazines that you own or possess in accordance with Section 18120 of the Penal Code and you may not have in your custody or control, own, purchase, possess, or receive, or attempt to purchase or receive any firearm, ammunition, or magazine while this order is in effect. However, a more permanent gun violence restraining order may be obtained from the court. You may seek the advice of an attorney as to any matter connected with the order. The attorney should be consulted promptly so that the attorney may assist you in any matter connected with the order.” (b) When serving a temporary emergency gun violence restraining order, a law enforcement officer shall verbally ask the restrained person if he or she has any firearm, ammunition, or magazine in his or her possession or under his or her custody or control.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18140. Section 18140.

A law enforcement officer who requests a temporary emergency gun violence restraining order shall do all of the following: (a) If the request is made orally, sign a declaration under penalty of perjury reciting the oral statements provided to the judicial officer and memorialize the order of the court on the form approved by the Judicial Council. (b) Serve the order on the restrained person, if the restrained person can reasonably be located. (c) File a copy of the order with the court as soon as practicable, but not later than three court days, after issuance. (d) Have the order entered into the computer database system for protective and restraining orders maintained by the Department of Justice.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18145. Section 18145.

(a) (1) A judicial officer may issue a temporary emergency gun violence restraining order orally based on the statements of a law enforcement officer made in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 18140. (2) If time and circumstances permit, a temporary emergency gun violence restraining order may be obtained in writing and based on a declaration signed under penalty of perjury. (b) The presiding judge of the superior court of each county shall designate at least one judge, commissioner, or referee who shall be reasonably available to issue temporary emergency gun violence restraining orders when the court is not in session.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 18148. Section 18148.

Within 21 days after the date on the order, the court that issued the order or another court in the same jurisdiction, shall hold a hearing pursuant to Section 18175 to determine if a gun violence restraining order should be issued pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 18170) after notice and hearing.

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