A California Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) is a legal mechanism designed to temporarily remove firearms and ammunition from individuals who pose a significant risk of violence to themselves or others. It allows concerned family members, household members, or law enforcement officers to request a court order to prohibit the individual in question from possessing or purchasing firearms. A GVRO can be obtained when there is credible evidence of a person’s threat to themselves or others due to mental illness, violent behavior, or other factors. The order typically lasts for a limited period, usually up to one year, but it can be extended if necessary. The purpose of the GVRO is to enhance public safety by temporarily separating individuals from firearms during periods of heightened risk.
