Ever been to court?

Dave!

Hey folks,

I went to court yesterday. A friend of mine broke a red light and had to appear in Tallaght District. I had never been in court before so went along for the experience (and the laugh!).

The Garda didn't show up for my mate's case, so it was thrown out (or whatever the terminology is... think it's "struck out").

But you can imagine -- it being Tallaght -- the young go-getters who were also in court on that day It was mainly driving offences, so wasn't terribly exciting unforunately... One bloke had 16 prior convictions and was given somethin like 200 hours community service (if he didn't do them he'd go to jail). Another bloke went to jail for 4 months... I'm pretty sure it was for a driving offence too, but I missed the specifics. Another bloke was supposed to be charged with drug dealing, but don't think the Garda showed up either (the accused just identified himself and then left 5 seconds later...).

In general it was a pretty strange experience. There was alot of people walking around (which I thought wasnt allowed in court), lawyers talking to their clients (the lawyers all had several clients in court at the same time for different offences), Gardaí sitting around having a laugh....... most of the cases took a matter of a few minutes, although the lawyers argued/asked the Garda questions in a few of them.

I'm thinkin I'll drop into somethin a bit more interesting next time, like the High Court... Can you go to cases held in the Special Criminal Court? I know there's no jury, but I woulda thought the public would still be allowed go.

Have ye ever been to court? Any good stories? Obviously don't tell us all about your murder trial , but any you feel like telling us about, go ahead!

Cheers!

connundrum

I got to the door of the High Court before, but my case was settled before we actually got in. I was quite disappointed

Huggles

connundrum wrote: »

I got to the door of the High Court before, but my case was settled before we actually got in. I was quite disappointed

How much did ya get

Looks like im going to court next month, witness for a garda

Rob_l

why is it strange that people were talking to their solicitors?

why is it strange the solicitors working out of a certain court have many clients there?

Go on OP admit it you were there for robbing a car

who was the judge james paul mcdonnell?

thebman

Never been, don't want to go to be on either side. I'll just end up mad when I leave no matter what happens in the court room I imagine be it people getting off or guards not turning up or getting such a small sentence for a violent crime that the person might as well be back on the street without going to jail.

Dave!

Rob_l wrote: »

why is it strange that people were talking to their solicitors?

It was strange to me because I had assumed that it would be a more formal affair where everyone had to be quiet and only move when called upon! But the solicitors were walking around the court, chatting and having a laugh with clients, talking to the Gardaí, etc. Was just different to what I had anticipated.

Rob_l wrote: »

why is it strange the solicitors working out of a certain court have many clients there?

Because I did not know that solicitors only work out of certain courts!

Rob_l wrote: »

Go on OP admit it you were there for robbing a car

I'll rob YORE car if you don't shut up asking questions!!!

Rob_l

DaveMcG wrote: »

It was strange to me because I had assumed that it would be a more formal affair where everyone had to be quiet and only move when called upon! But the solicitors were walking around the court, chatting and having a laugh with clients, talking to the Gardaí, etc. Was just different to what I had anticipated.



Because I did not know that solicitors only work out of certain courts!



I'll rob YORE car if you don't shut up asking questions!!!

its only a district court more serious matters are moved to high court criminal courts and then you get specialist solicitors and barristers

as you noticed all were fairly minor matters drunk and disorderly driving offences getting dates set

January

You can go to the courts and look up the cases for that day. Some of them may be "in camera" therefore you cannot view them from the public gallery. www.courts.ie has a legal diary where you can see the cases being held for the next day.

Usually courts 23 and 24 have cases that you can view.

Senna

The fella charged with drug dealing, was it struck out as well cause the Garda didn't showed up? Probably not.

Do the garda not get a rollicking for not turning up to court, bit of a waist catching people breaking the law, then not turning up to the court.

Zaph

connundrum wrote: »

I got to the door of the High Court before, but my case was settled before we actually got in. I was quite disappointed

I actually got to the point where we were sitting in the courtroom before the case was settled. The judge came out a couple of minutes later, my barrister informed him that a settlement had been reached and he dismissed the case. took about 10 seconds.

Did jury duty once, didn't really enjoy that as there was a lot of hanging around waiting to see if you were picked each day. I did get selected for one jury but the case was dismissed after an hour or two of discussions in the courtroom while the jury were locked in our room. Apparently it was a re-trial and the case was dismissed because the arrest warrant for the original arrest had been lost. A Garda told us it happens all the time. :rolleyes:

The district court is faily boring (except for the Bridewell - knackers downing Bacardi Breezers before heading into court :eek:). Head into the four courts if you want to see something more interesting.

Voodu Child

Yep, got a week off work to do jury duty, but never got picked, so went home back to bed every day. Plus they have free hot-chocolate vending machines in the waiting room. Best week evar.

Pherekydes

Yep, for an unpaid parking ticket!

Judge: Warden, what happened?

Warden: On the day and date in question, car number 123 xyz was par...

Judge [looking at charge sheet]: What was that number again?

Warden [peering hard at own notes]: emmm, 123 xyy, I think...

Judge: You mean you can't even read your own notes? You're wasting the court's time and the time of this gentleman. Case dismissed.

Me [vaulting judge's bench to kiss Judge on cheek]: Woooooo Hooooooooooo!*

The clerk of the court, a Garda Sgt, proceeded to rip the poor warden a new one. Fully deserved I might add.



*This may have been more of a pathetic sigh of relief and a mouse-like exit through the door. No vaulting may have been involved.

Rob_l

Senna wrote: »

The fella charged with drug dealing, was it struck out as well cause the Garda didn't showed up? Probably not.

Do the garda not get a rollicking for not turning up to court, bit of a waist catching people breaking the law, then not turning up to the court.

you cant really "rollick" someone if they are not there though eh

constitutionus

accompanied my brother to the family law court. took about 5yrs to get everything sorted

put me right off marriage after what i saw there. trust me lads, we dont ever come out of that place well.

Senna

Rob_l wrote: »

you cant really "rollick" someone if they are not there though eh

By their sargent or someone high up in the garda afterwards?

Dave!

Rob_l wrote: »

you cant really "rollick" someone if they are not there though eh

I presume he means off their superiors in the Gardaí rather than the judge

Not sure about the drug dealing thing... I didn't actually hear that (they dont put speakers at the back unfortunately ), but my mates heard it and said it was dismissed, dunno why though.

johnnyskeleton

DaveMcG wrote: »

I'm thinkin I'll drop into somethin a bit more interesting next time, like the High Court... Can you go to cases held in the Special Criminal Court? I know there's no jury, but I woulda thought the public would still be allowed go.

You can go, but you get searched first. Also, it's not on every day so check what's on first. Those guys are hardcore though, so don't be sniggering in the background.

L1011

Got called for jury duty but was able to pull the "still in secondary school" approach to avoid it at the time (I had only just registered to vote and all), and while I've taken and won three small claims court cases I've never attended the 'hearing' - only one of them went to a hearing, the other two got won by default due to the companies never turning up...

Terry

Went to Kilmainham court with a friend who was up on an assault charge.
I would not recommend that place to anyone.

It was funny when the junkie was sent down and his girlfriend started ranting at the judge, so the judge sent her down too. Overall though, quite a scary place.

Was in Richmond court on the 3rd of last month on traffic charges.
Back for sentencing on the 12th of next month.

Most cases were struck out that day.
The cop in chargeof my case had to turn up though.

Ahh well. You break the law, you face the consequences. No-one to blame but myself.

Ace2007

broke a red light? as in drove through or hit it with a baseball bat since its in tallaght - either are possibile...

connundrum

TheGooner wrote: »

How much did ya get

A five year lesson in how not to spend money as it turned out

Ah well ya win some and lose some.

I will add that I've narrowly avoided court in both my lines of work. Thank fook for company solicitors who 'take care of things.'

boneless

I kept getting parking tickets from Monaghan county council. I ignored them (foolishly!!) until one day my local Garda appeared and issued me with a summons . I had to go to Monaghan, appear before the judge and explain that I was never in Monaghan before so how could my Honda 250cc motorbike (which had a Cavan reg) be parked in such and such a place?

At this stage the County Council legal bloke asked for the charges to be struck out... I asked the judge why this was happening as I had been unduly (in my opinion) harrassed. The judge agreed and asked the question for me. It turned out that the vehicle to which the tickets were issued was a Ford Cortina... it had , it later transpired, false reg plates.

The judge gave out stink to the CC legal bloke and basically told me I should pursue the issue in a legal way!! I just said an apology would do and my expenses be paid for the day I lost from work etc. They were very grateful, I must say!!

ScumLord

MYOB wrote: »

Got called for jury duty but was able to pull the "still in secondary school" approach to avoid it at the time (I had only just registered to vote and all),

I'd love to do Jury duty.

Me: He's guilty
Judge: But we haven't even heard the case yet
Me: He's guilty, I know by the look of him
Judge: We have procedures and..
Me: Your guilty too! Your all guilty! God will punish you all!!

My 2 year suspended sentence is up in February, soon I can be bold again.

zuutroy

I hate the idea of having to stand up when a judge comes in. What did this pompous high brow ****er do to earn my respect. NOTHING! He's a public servant. He should stand when I come in.

Trojan911

DaveMcG wrote: »

Have ye ever been to court?

Yes. Witness for the prosecution when a fella cut me up on the motorbike.

Turned up, sat on a hard chair for about three hours went for lunch and then sat for another hour and a half on a hard chair.

Finally got called to give my evidence, got asked one question by his defence brief.

He was found guilty & got spanked with a €700 fine, 4 points & ordered to pay me €150 in expenses + whatever his brief charged.

Overall, there was no need for me to have stayed up the night before and watch several episodes of LA Law and the movie 'A Few Good Men'.

_blank_

Went to court with a mate who was up for pissing in the street.

The Garda never arrived, so was struck out.

Now, I witnessed a bad assault in Temple Bar a couple of years ago.

Gave a long statement to the Gardaí about it, and never heard back.

Moved to Australia for a year, when the Gardaí rang me. My mate had given them my number. They wanted me to be a witness for the case.

They flew me home from Sydney. I arrived home at 10.30 on a Monday morning to be in court the Tuesday. As I sat down to a lovely mammy cooked fry, the Gardaí rang me, and said the fecker had pleaded guilty, and I wasn't needed.

Back on the plane, and back to the Sydney beaches.

:mad:

Dave!

hah How many days did ye get at home then? Just the 1? Pain in the arse flying all that way........

Dinxminx

In and out of the courts almost every day but not because I've been bold; mostly just running errands and visiting people!

_blank_

DaveMcG wrote: »

hah How many days did ye get at home then? Just the 1? Pain in the arse flying all that way........

Ah no.

Fair play to the Gardaí. They were paying my loss of earnings from my job back in Aus too. They gave me a week, but I said I'd like a fortnight.

They only paid wages for a week though.

Anyway, as I was on my to the airport for the flights back, we got a phonecall. My Granny had died

Luckily enough, the airlines were very understanding, and changed all my flights, and I stayed for the funeral festivities.

Femelade

i'm just back from court. there's a warrant for my ex's arrest..whoo!

Rob_l

Femmy wrote: »

i'm just back from court. there's a warrant for my ex's arrest..whoo!

The things that bring people joy eh

beans

Was witness for the prosecution. Had to sit cramped in a pew for around 3 hours. Only when the case was called did I realise that the dude pressed up beside me for those 3 hours was the guy on trial... :rolleyes:

Didn't wait to see what happened to him, just left after giving my evidence. Also, embarassingly, referred to calling the Gardaí as "ringing 911" - the only experience I'd had of courts up to then was watching Law & Order

Cathmandooo

Had jury duty, got on a case second day, an Arson attack in a halting site, twas good, got a yummy 3 course meal everyday and a swift pint at lunch with the other jurors, typical ireland!!

Femelade

Rob_l wrote: »

The things that bring people joy eh

Believe me, he deserves it.and alot more...

Chunks

Femmy wrote: »

Believe me, he deserves it.and alot more...

Care to fill us in on our otherwise dull Wedneday?

watna

Yes, I'm intrigued!

Mimi3637

Was first dragged into family court by my money-grabbing mother when I was doing my Junior Cert.

Last year (I'm now 24!!) I accompanied by dad to his divorce hearing from aforementioned money-grabbing mother. Family courts are an absolute joke and are totally favoured towards the wife. Never getting married ever!

Trojan911

watna wrote: »

Yes, I'm intrigued!

Femmy has my 100% attention, concentration span not that good though...

Jigsaw

When at school I did work experience in the High Court in Belfast. Tbh, I just wandered about looking at stuff.

Anyway, I was sitting in on some bail hearings one morning and there was a scumbag of some sort up for possession of firearms with intent or something like that. When the judge refused him bail the bloke said, "yer nothing but a f**kin wigged bast**d". Needless to say he didn't endear himself to the judge. I was doing my best to hold in laughter but in the end had to excuse myself and go outside for a bit.

I have never been in court as an accused. This is because I am a pillar of the community and do a lot of work for charity and visit sick children in hospital.

phasers

I sued somebody

RuailleBuaille

ScumLord wrote: »

I'd love to do Jury duty.

Me: He's guilty
Judge: But we haven't even heard the case yet
Me: He's guilty, I know by the look of him
Judge: We have procedures and..
Me: Your guilty too! Your all guilty! God will punish you all!!

My 2 year suspended sentence is up in February, soon I can be bold again.

:D:D

Femelade

Well, it would take forever for me to go into the details of which all of this started....

basically , it was a maintenance order that he hasnt been adhearing to since sept 2006. he wont answer his phone, hasnt talked to his daughter in weeks, basically doesnt care atall...

If i go back further i could talk about the times my phone rang constantly with him shouting abuse at the other end, the threats he used to make on a daily basis to me and my family. the night he turned up at my house banging on the door, the time he locked me and my daughter into his house along with his own family and wouldnt let us leave until the guards were called by my father who cleverly enough stayed outside, the time he took my daughter from my home and i had to psychially fight him to get my crying daughter out of his arms....but i wont...
I could also go back further again to the horrible and sometimes terrifying relationship we had..but i wont.

i wish it was all done with,m and i wish i could tell him to never pay maintenance and to stay out of our lives forever, but for my daughters case...i cant...cos he's her dad, and she loves him!

SpAcEd OuT

I was in court once for assualt

I threw a pie in someones face

It was worth it

connundrum

Femmy wrote: »

Well, it would take forever for me to go into the details of which all of this started....

basically , it was a maintenance order that he hasnt been adhearing to since sept 2006. he wont answer his phone, hasnt talked to his daughter in weeks, basically doesnt care atall...

If i go back further i could talk about the times my phone rang constantly with him shouting abuse at the other end, the threats he used to make on a daily basis to me and my family. the night he turned up at my house banging on the door, the time he locked me and my daughter into his house along with his own family and wouldnt let us leave until the guards were called by my father who cleverly enough stayed outside, the time he took my daughter from my home and i had to psychially fight him to get my crying daughter out of his arms....but i wont...
I could also go back further again to the horrible and sometimes terrifying relationship we had..but i wont.

i wish it was all done with,m and i wish i could tell him to never pay maintenance and to stay out of our lives forever, but for my daughters case...i cant...cos he's her dad, and she loves him!

/Hugs

January

Terry wrote: »

Went to Kilmainham court with a friend who was up on an assault charge.
I would not recommend that place to anyone.

It was funny when the junkie was sent down and his girlfriend started ranting at the judge, so the judge sent her down too. Overall though, quite a scary place.

Was in Richmond court on the 3rd of last month on traffic charges.
Back for sentencing on the 12th of next month.

Most cases were struck out that day.
The cop in chargeof my case had to turn up though.

Ahh well. You break the law, you face the consequences. No-one to blame but myself.

Was there on the 14th myself, with the OH, failure to produce a licence. Garda didn't do the paperwork properly and my boyfriend never even got called. But... he would have been sent down if he had of been... whoops!

Trojan911

Femmy wrote: »

Well, it would take forever for me to go into the details of which all of this started....

Enough said girl..... Sorry to hear that cr*p for you & your girl.... If you want to talk then PM me. I'll be there if you want to off load... I hate that sh*t.... Worked in that environment before so can relate....

cyrusdvirus

witness for the prosecution 4 times, 2 assaults, one car theft, 1 shoplifter.

Assault 1 was on me, in Kilmainham. Wasn't needed but when the Judge (Gillian Hussey) asked was the victim (me) there up i stood....17 years old and the incident in question was my first time having even given a guard my name!! To say i was kakking myself in front of the Judge is putting it mildly!! She was very nice though, and asked me what i'd like done with the money, when i said to charity she asked who's idea that was. I told her my mothers and she asked would i like it instead!! I said yes, and she grinned, and got it handed over.

Assault 2 was on a mate, down in Athy. Lad pleaded guilty on the court steps. It was fun handing my evil boss the summons though!! He was not impressed until he read it!!

car theft was down in Athy again, sod pleaded guilty and got jail time

Shoplifter ended up in the 4 courts. That was FUN!!!! She alleged false arrest agianst us too!! Think she's due out soon... (if soon was 2 years ago)

Terry

gatecrash wrote: »

witness for the prosecution 4 times, 2 assaults, one car theft, 1 shoplifter.

Assault 1 was on me, in Kilmainham. Wasn't needed but when the Judge (Gillian Hussey) asked was the victim (me) there up i stood....17 years old and the incident in question was my first time having even given a guard my name!! To say i was kakking myself in front of the Judge is putting it mildly!! She was very nice though, and asked me what i'd like done with the money, when i said to charity she asked who's idea that was. I told her my mothers and she asked would i like it instead!! I said yes, and she grinned, and got it handed over.

Assault 2 was on a mate, down in Athy. Lad pleaded guilty on the court steps. It was fun handing my evil boss the summons though!! He was not impressed until he read it!!

car theft was down in Athy again, sod pleaded guilty and got jail time

Shoplifter ended up in the 4 courts. That was FUN!!!! She alleged false arrest agianst us too!! Think she's due out soon... (if soon was 2 years ago)

Up in front of Hussey?
I'd well believe you were crapping yourself.

I remember the bowsies around my way crapping themselves before going up in fromt of her. That was many, many years ago though. She's retired now. They actually gave her address out in the local rag when she retired. I didn't think that was a good idea.

About 15 years ago, five guys I knew got a week in the joy for asault from her.
To say they cleaned up their acts afterwards would be an understatement.

slipss

DaveMcG wrote: »

Have ye ever been to court? Any good stories? Obviously don't tell us all about your murder trial , but any you feel like telling us about, go ahead!

Have been in various courts for different reasons over the years, usually pretty boring places, but have seen a few unusual things.

In the circuit court in the four courts about 2 years ago waiting for my case to come up and some junkie was up before me for sentencing. The judge (Kathy Delahunt) obviously had had to deal with him a few times over the years because as soon as the clerk called the case she just sighed and said "its not looking good for you this time Carl?". Anyways he was up for possesion with intent to supply and got a three year sentence. But he obviously knew he was going down and had set something up with one of his mates in the courtroom and as soon as the judge called out the sentence his mobile went off and the ringtone was I Fought the Law by the Clash, the judge put her head down and started shaking it but you could see her shoulders jerking and her smiling and tell she was laughing away to herself. Then everyone in the court room just started laughing, Gardai and barristers and Carl most of all. Broke the tension up nicely.

Another time in the Dun Laoighre district court a while ago and some traveller fella was up for theft. Anyways he was asking the judge to grant him bail because his wife had gone into labour the night before (obviously making it up, I thought) and he wanted to be with her. So the judge grants him bail, but he for some reason kept arguing the point thinking she wasn't granting him bail, and she kept trying to tell him that he was granted it and to go. But he kept on at her saying how unfair it was and pleading with her to grant him bail. This went on for about 10 mins with even the arresting Garda in the case trying to tell him he was free to go and lead him out of the court room. Eventually the judge (not sure of her name, the usually Dun Laoighre dj) lets out this massive screech "Mr XXXXXXXXXX, for the love of god, you are free to go, you have your bail, go be with your wife, now before I change my mind!!!!!" So after all that your fella jumps up and says "Grand judge, why didn't you just say that 10 mins ago, I'd be in the hostpital by now" and then to the court in general "ahh now ya see boys, i knew shed give in if I argueed it for long enough".

roy123456789

Speeding ....in the old days long before penalty points and fixed fines, when I was a sales Rep, now that I'm a Taxi Driver I own the bleedin' road