FranL: To the best of my knowledge the guns and other items were seized as evidence. Why the police seized "Archery" equipment is unbelievable. I requested that the archery equipment be returned so that I could hunt with them in Connecticut. My attorney advised there was nothing in the statutes that prohibited me from archery hunting and she went so far as to confirm this with a detective she knew. I made the request for the return of items and the police provided me with the "Receipt for seized property and advisement of rights-seized property". I was to make a formal request for the return of whatever property I wanted returned and then the "court" would decide. I brought this to the attention of my attorney, who asked if I could wait until the hearing, where she'd then make the request for "ALL" property to be returned to me. Needless to say, the judge made the decision to not return any of my property, but have it SOLD at auction. It was as though the judge, prosecutor and even my attorney had found me guilty of all charges. It was a new judge and prosecutor, but still it was as though the "alleged" charges were TRUE and the judge was ticked off I was getting off on the charges. In regard to the charges being dropped, I was required to complete a 9-week education program and then all charges against me would be "dismissed". I completed and the charges were dismissed accordingly. I need to know if the judge is within his rights to do this and did my own attorney error by my not requesting the transfer of firearms initially or to have the archery equipment returned prior to my hearing date. My next step is to contact the NRA for guidance upon hearing what you have to say about my situation. Thanks Greg.

Fran, just to follow up, before I accept the charges, you mentioned the "merits" of the case. When the "merits" of the case are "false" / "incorrect" this becomes all the more difficult to swallow. My wife approachd the court and admitted that she had made a terrible "mistake". She "misunderstood" my handling of the firearm at the time and wanted all charges against me dropped. I was told that had she not gone and admitted this, I wouldn't have been made the offer to attend a 9-week course and have my case dismissed. I doubt, based on the "merits" of the case, I would have lost. It was the police officers involved who advised me to get my guns transferred to someone else right after I was arrested. Is there any item they cannot seize??? My attorney, at that time, told me there was no need for me to transfer my guns and for me not to worry about them. She told me that after completing the 9-week program, all charges would be dismissed, my record would be clear, my guns and permit returned as well as my "mugshot" would be removed. Needless to say that all didn't happen. I guess it's more difficult to believe that an individual is "innocent until proven guility". Thanks for your information and take care. Greg.