Criminal Law
Criminal offences
Classification of crimes in criminal cases
The way in which a criminal offence is investigated and prosecuted depends on the type of crime involved. For these purposes criminal offences may be described in different ways.
Public order offences in Ireland
The law on public order offences in Ireland is mainly set down in the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. Find out more about the different types of offences
The law on sexual offences in Ireland
The law in Ireland sets out a range of offences that are considered sexual offences. What are these offences and how did the law in this area change in 2006?
Drug offences
In Ireland the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended by other legislation is the principal legislation that covers drug offences and the respective penalties.
Alcohol and the law
Laws in place in Ireland regarding the serving of alcohol on licensed premises and off-licences, drinking in public and drink driving.
Drink driving offences in IrelandDrink driving is a very serious offence in Ireland. Find out about the law on drink driving, including random breath testing, powers of the Gardai and procedures if you are arrested.
This document is in: HomeTravel and RecreationMotoringDriving offences
Driving offencesFind out about the penalties in place if you are convicted of a driving offence in Ireland.
This document is in: HomeTravel and RecreationMotoringDriving offences
The law on fireworks
In 2006 the law in relation to fireworks changed. The Gardaí now have the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. Find out more here.
Criminal trial
Pre-Trial Issues
An introduction to the section on pre-trial issues in Ireland is provided.
Summonses
A sumons is issued by your District Court in Ireland after a complaint has been made against you by a Garda. There are important rules about the content of the summons and how this document is served on you.
Time limitations for the commencement of criminal proceedings
Information on the time limits for the commencement of criminal proceedings in Ireland is provided.
Disclosure in criminal cases
In a criminal trial the prosecution has a duty to disclose to the defence, in advance of the trial, all relevant evidence which it has. However, this duty can vary.
Book of Evidence
People that are tried in courts in Ireland before a judge and jury are presented with a Book of Evidence. Find out what a Book of Evidence must contain and how it is served.
Criminal Trial
An introduction to the various types of criminal trial that take place in Ireland.
Summary Trials
Summary trials in Ireland (trials that take place before a judge without a jury) usually follow a certain format. Find out more.
Legal representation in criminal cases
Types of criminal offence and the role of your defence counsel in a criminal case in Ireland are described.
Pleading Guilty
It is possible to plead guilty to a criminal offence at any stage during a court case in Ireland. Find out what happens when you plead guilty.
Sentencing at criminal trials in Ireland
Where a court in Ireland has found you guilty of an offence or you have pleaded guilty, the judge will decide on your sentence. Read about the rules on sentencing of criminals in Ireland.
Types of sentences
There are a range of sentences available to judges that can be imposed on someone found guilty of a criminal offence.
Court Poor Box
Judges in courts in Ireland have the discretion to order offenders to make a donation to the Court Poor Box (i.e., make a donation to a charity in lieu of conviction).
Drug Offenders Register
The Drug Offenders Register was introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and is based on the same principle as the Sex Offenders Register. It enables the movements of convicted drug dealers to be recorded.
Sex Offenders Register
Those who are convicted of certain sexual offences are obliged to provide certain information to the Gardaí including the address at which they are living following their release from prison. This provision was introduced by the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
Criminal insanity and mental healthThe law in Ireland regarding criminal insanity and mental health changed in 2006. Find out about the rules regarding fitness to plead, diminished responsibility and Mental Health Review Boards.