IMHO this (retrieval of weapon) is best left to your lawyer. As a youth and a true believer in the Second Amendment I was twice charged w/ illegal possession of a firearm (under seat of auto). In both instances I was informed that I would [b]NOT[/b] get my pistol back.
First time I had a male lawyer and he wanted the pistol for a part of his fee, I gave him a chrome plated 45acp, he gave me my old Sturm Ruger 41mag single action, (the seized weapon).
Second time I used a female lawyer and while she had no interest in the Colt Python the County Deputy that busted me did, but when I explained how all she had to do was claim "it was a part of her fee" to the judge, retrieval was no problem. Hence my suggestion that rather than muddy the issue, let your legal counsel handle it.
Mike