Getting Property (and Firearms) Back from Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement: Forms, ID, and Timelines
Getting your property back is usually straightforward once you have the right paperwork. The biggest hold-ups? Missing release forms, no ID, or waiting too long after you get the letter saying your items are ready.
Evidence/property can be released Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you show up outside that window, you’ll likely have to come back, so plan your trip around those hours.
Before you can retrieve anything, you need a signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office. This form must specify what property is being released and who's authorized to pick it up. Bring it with you when you go to the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department - the evidence technician will need to see it.
Bring a picture I.D. when you come to pick up your property. Staff check ID at the window, and you won't be able to complete the release without it.
Can't pick up your property yourself? You can send someone else, but they'll need a signed and notarized authorization-to-pick-up form. The person you send must also bring a picture I.D.
Once property is authorized for release, you'll get a letter in the mail letting you know it's ready. Bring that letter and a picture I.D. to the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department so staff can match you to the authorization.
Time-sensitive: If you don’t pick up the property within 10 working days of receiving the letter, it will be disposed of.
Firearms have extra requirements, but the starting point is the same: get a signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office. When you go to pick up the firearm, bring that release and a picture I.D. to the evidence technician at the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department.
Before any firearm is released, staff run a background check to confirm you're legally allowed to own one. This takes about half an hour, so plan accordingly.
- Confirm the background-check result - if it shows the owner is prohibited from owning a firearm, the firearm can’t be released directly to that person.
- Complete a firearms ownership transfer authorization - bring the firearms ownership transfer authorization form that is signed and notarized.
- Have the new owner pick it up with ID - the person obtaining ownership must present a picture I.D.
- Expect a background check for the new owner - the new owner will also be subject to a background check before the firearm is released.
Heads up: Ammunition is not released at the same time as the firearm, so you may need to come back later to retrieve ammunition separately.
Checklist Preparation
- ✓ The mailed notification letter (if you received one) and your picture I.D.
- ✓ A signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney’s Office that lists the property and names the person who can receive it
- ✓ If someone else is picking up for you: a signed and notarized authorization-to-pick-up form, and the picker’s picture I.D.
- ✓ For firearms pickup: the County Attorney signed release form and the owner’s picture I.D.
- ✓ Proof of ownership for a firearm, if you have it available
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