How to Retrieve Property & Firearms from Butte Law Enforcement: Forms, ID, Background Checks, and Timing
Getting your property or firearms back from Butte-Silver Bow law enforcement is pretty simple—as long as you have the right paperwork. Bring the correct release form and photo ID, and budget extra time if you're picking up a firearm (the background check takes a bit).
Property and evidence releases happen Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trying to squeeze this in around work or a court appearance? Plan for a weekday visit during that window.
You'll pick up items at the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department. The evidence technician handles releases, so have your paperwork and ID ready before you reach the counter - it speeds things up.
ID and Authorizing Others
- ✓ Bring a picture (photo) ID when you come in to retrieve property.
- ✓ If someone else is picking up your property for you, provide an authorization-to-pick-up form that is signed and notarized.
- ✓ Make sure the person you designate also brings a picture (photo) ID.
You need a signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office before law enforcement can hand over any evidence or property. For firearms especially, this form is non-negotiable - the evidence technician won't start the process without it.
Got a notification letter saying your property is ready? Don't sit on it. You have 10 working days from receiving that letter to pick up your items. Miss the deadline and they'll be disposed of.
Picking up a firearm involves extra steps. First, get a signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office. Then bring that form plus a photo ID to the evidence technician. They'll run a background check to confirm you're legally allowed to own a firearm before releasing it.
- Get the signed release form - Obtain a signed release form from the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney’s Office.
- Go to the evidence technician with your paperwork - Bring the signed release form and your picture (photo) ID to the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department.
- Complete the background check - A background check is run to determine whether anything prohibits firearm ownership, and it takes approximately a half hour.
- Wait for the result before release - Plan to stay until the check is completed so the firearm can be released if you’re eligible.
Timing tip: The firearm background check takes about a half hour, so give yourself enough time during the Monday–Friday release window.
Heads up: ammunition isn't released with the firearm. You'll need to make a separate trip to pick it up.
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