Firearm Restraining Order

Firearm Restraining Order (FRO)

The Firearm Restraining Order (FRO), sometimes called a Red Flag Law, allows family members, household members, and law enforcement to work with courts to temporarily remove guns and prevent the purchase of new guns by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.

Why Do We Need a FRO?

Easy access to guns is a significant risk factor for injury and death.  In response to tragic events across the country, Illinois has made a commitment to addressing gun violence, leading to the passage of the FRO law.  This law provides families, household members, and law enforcement a judicial pathway for temporarily removing firearms and prohibiting future gun purchases for the duration of the order.

How to Obtain a FRO:

Step 1: Request a petition from  your local circuit court.

Step 2: Complete and submit the petition to the circuit court where the respondent or person in crisis lives.

Step 3:  If the judge issues an FRO, the court will send the FRO to local law enforcement to serve the summons.

Step 4: Attend the hearing scheduled by the court.  A hearing will be scheduled within 14 days of the summons being served.

For more detailed steps on how to obtain a FRO, go here.

Still have questions about the FRO?  Go to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

To spread the word about the FRO, download the CCSO FRO Flyer.