Charge Sheet or Summons
You may be detained and charged at Garda Station. In this scenario, Gardai will furnish you with your charge sheet or sheets in the Garda Station. They will also furnish you with a second document known as a “station bail bond”. This document will advise you of the date and location of your Court appearance.
Alternatively, you may be served with a summons. A summons will often be served by registered post however they are sometimes personally served by Gardai. The summons is a single page document setting out the alleged offence and advising you of the date and location of your Court appearance.
Whether Gardai proceed by way of charge sheet or summons, you must be present in Court on the first day of your matter. If you receive a charge sheet or a summons, please contact our offices in advance of your first Court date on 042 932 8053.
Free Legal Aid :
We are on the criminal legal aid panel for every County in Ireland and can apply to the Court for legal aid on your behalf. When applying for legal aid, you must complete a “Statement of Means” which is a one page document setting out your financial circumstances. We then hand the completed Statement to the Judge and apply for legal aid on your behalf. Please note that applications for legal aid must be made to the Judge presiding over your matter when it is before the Court.
If you are unemployed or if you are working but your earnings are minimal, provided that your charges are not minor in nature, you will be entitled to apply for legal aid. When considering a legal aid application, the Court may take into account particular circumstances such as high mortgage repayments or supporting children.
