Was registering a new rifle down at HPD earlier this week, and there was this guy in front of me who has spent a year trying to get his guns back after getting a TRO; he didn't have any luck. I believe every time I have been in that line, there is someone who for one reason or another has surrendered their arms to HPD, and  is trying to get them back. They always walk out disappointed and empty handed.  Does anybody know anyone who has ever gotten their firearms back from HPD custody?

One day while I was registering guns, I witnessed someone getting his gun back. It looked like the end of a very long process and like HPD and the guy had come to know each other quite well.

At the end, he said "didn't I turn in ammunition?" The registration guy says no, and the other guy walks off saying "I thought I turned in ammunition."

I know a few people who have gotten their firearms back.  These problems have not gone without our attention.

Was registering a new rifle down at HPD earlier this week, and there was this guy in front of me who has spent a year trying to get his guns back after getting a TRO; he didn't have any luck. I believe every time I have been in that line, there is someone who for one reason or another has surrendered their arms to HPD, and  is trying to get them back. They always walk out disappointed and empty handed.  Does anybody know anyone who has ever gotten their firearms back from HPD custody?

I got all of mine back...

The problem people have when trying to recover their firearms is paperwork. Most of the time they either don't have it or it doesn't say what they need it to. HPD doesn't know how many cases are pending against you, so having a court document clearing you of a set of charges (not guilty/dismissed) is not enough. The court clerk has to include "Return all firearms and ammunition" or words along those lines on paper. Going to the window with anything less than that and telling they you can have your guns back will always get the "Where does it say that?" response. 

I know the whole thing sounds dumb, but the courts don't keep track of firearms ownership. They just issue a generic order that you can not possess based on what you're charged with. When a trial/hearing/case is concluded, you need to ask for the clearance.

One day while I was registering guns, I witnessed someone getting his gun back. It looked like the end of a very long process and like HPD and the guy had come to know each other quite well.

At the end, he said "didn't I turn in ammunition?" The registration guy says no, and the other guy walks off saying "I thought I turned in ammunition."

When turning anything in, they're supposed to itemize what they take on the evidence receipt. If they don't, then it's not "officially" received. In my case, I had a clerk and 2 officers tag & sign/initial for every item including boxes of ammo (partial boxes and loose rounds were counted). And no, I didn't do it to be a dick...As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. I just didn't want to be slapped with a violation for non-compliance with a court order.

A friend of mine just refused to sign the TRO paperwork and told them that if they wanted her guns, they would have to CONVICT her of a crime first.  The Judge backed down.  The TRO system is VOLUNTARY, although no one will ever explicitly state that.

That's good to know crazy cat. Crazy system we have.

A friend of mine just refused to sign the TRO paperwork and told them that if they wanted her guns, they would have to CONVICT her of a crime first.  The Judge backed down.  The TRO system is VOLUNTARY, although no one will ever explicitly state that.

That is a very good piece of intel, crazy cat.  Thanks for sharing.  Can any of the legal eagles on here shed a little more light on the legislation/case law that crazy cat's friend might have used?

A friend of mine just refused to sign the TRO paperwork and told them that if they wanted her guns, they would have to CONVICT her of a crime first.  The Judge backed down.  The TRO system is VOLUNTARY, although no one will ever explicitly state that.

Your friend sounds like one tough cookie.