Criminal Law

Criminal Law is an area of law which perhaps more than others continues to change and develop. Most criminal prosecutions in Ireland are brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the state.

Persons accused of an offence are brought before the Court on either a charge sheet or by way of summons. A person who is arrested for an alleged offence and brought to a Garda Station may be charged with a criminal offence which is the official allegation and often they are released on station bail when they sign a recognisance (bail bond) which provides that they must attend Court on a particular date. It is important that the person attends Court on the appointed date as failure to so do often will result in the sitting Judge issuing a bench warrant for their arrest. Failure to attend Court on foot of bail is also a separate offence and often the accused will face a further charge.

A person may also receive a summons which is a document served upon them directing their attendance in Court to answer a complaint.

It is extremely important that a person who is either charged with an offence or receives a summons to attend Court obtain legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity.

Please do not hesitate to contact our offices by telephone at (01)8728233 or via email at bg@bowlergeraghty.ie