Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts73. (1) Where—
(a) a dangerous weapon or restricted weapon is seized under section 69, 70 or 72; and
(b) a prosecution for an offence against this Act relating to the weapon is not instituted within 60 days of the seizure;
the Registrar shall, upon the expiration of that period return the dangerous weapon or restricted weapon, as the case may be, to the owner.
(2) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act—
(a) the defendant is a person from whom a dangerous weapon or restricted weapon has been seized under section 69, 70 or 72; and
(b) the court does not find the offence proved;
the Registrar shall return the dangerous weapon or restricted weapon, as the case may be, to the owner.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if—
(a) before the expiration of 60 days; or
(b) before the court finds an offence not proved;
as the case may be, the licence of the person to whom the weapon would, but for this subsection have been returned, has been cancelled.
(4) Where—
(a) a dangerous weapon or restricted weapon is seized under section 69, 70 or 72; and
(b) the weapon would, but for this subsection, be returned to the owner pursuant to subsection (1) or (2);
then, if the owner is charged with an offence against a law in force in the Territory which would, if proved, entitle the Registrar to cancel the person's licence, the Registrar shall retain possession of the weapon pending the hearing of the charge.
(5) If the court does not find the charge referred to in subsection (4) proved, the Registrar shall return the dangerous weapon or restricted weapon to the owner unless the Registrar would otherwise be entitled under this Act to be in possession of the weapon.
(6) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act, the court finds the offence proved, any dangerous weapon or restricted weapon used in connection with the commission of the offence—
(a) shall if stolen, be returned by the Registrar to the person whom the court is satisfied is entitled to the weapon; or
(b) is, in any other case, forfeited to the Territory, unless the court otherwise directs.
(7) A prohibited weapon seized under section 69, 70 or 72 is forfeited to the Territory.