There are two ways that the State can require you to turn in your firearms prior to any court proceeding. These are a 50B civil domestic violence restraining order and a 50C criminal violence restraining order, if you have been charged in these types of cases, you will have to surrender your firearms prior to the matter being resolved in court. So, in the event you are found not guilty, how do you get those firearms returned to you? It’s not an easy process. You will first have to file a petition with the clerk of court who will then serve both the alleged victim in your violence case and your county’s sheriff’s department. The sheriff will run a background check and provide it to a Judge. The alleged victim will testify. The Judge will look at all the evidence provided and determine whether you are eligible to have your guns back. And he may decide you aren’t eligible, that’s his decision to make. This is why, if you are in this situation, it’s imperative that you retain an attorney right away.