Q: How long can the police hold a fire arm that was confiscated out my vehicle

I got pulled over and was charged with the DUI a few months ago and I allowed the officer to search my vehicle and I told him where my firearm was they took it and the next day when I was released from the jail they didn't give it back how long are they allowed to keep it before I can have it back

1 Lawyer Answer

A: If the firearm is evidence in the case for some reason (it doesn't sound like it, but for example, someone might also be charged with unlawful carry in addition to DUI), then they'll hang on to it for at least as long as the case stays pending in court. But if not, then they should be ready to give it back. In smaller jurisdictions, this can be arranged with a phone call. In bigger jurisdictions, your lawyer might need to get the prosecutor to agree to a release, or they might need to file a motion in court to get it back.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.