Solicitor advice.

BigWilly

Ok, summons on the way for theft of milk from outside a shop while drunk.
Not sure when it's coming but presumably within the next month or two.
When is a good time to contact one? Should I wait until I actually get the summons?

Also, can anyone recommend a good solicitor in near the courts in Dublin that would be good for this sort of thing? (If this is against the rules I'll edit that question out) What kind of prices are normal for this type of thing?

I already have been given the benefit of the doubt by a judge so my only option really is to get a good solicitor and pray I don't get a conviction.

Last question, would a conviction for petty theft ruin my chances of going to America for a few years. I know it's crimes of moral turptitude, which would obviously include theft. But would petty theft be enough to slip under the radar should I want to travel?



Thanks a mil,
Biggy

dats_right

Amongst the best know criminal solicitors in Dublin City would be, in no particular order:
Michael Hanahoe & Co
Michael Staines & Co
Terence Lyons & Co
Kelleher O'Doherty Solicitors
Garrett Sheehan & Partners.

All of whom would specialise in criminal defence work and would be highly regarded. Most of their work would be from regular clients and referrals so they often don't have much need for websites and advertising, so it may be a case of having to dig up an old fashioned telephone book to get contact details.

Regarding the US travel question, I must preface my comments by saying I'm no expert on US immigration laws, but it is my understanding that a conviction for theft is as you say is considered a crime or moral turpitude which would mean that you would not be eligible to travel to the US using the visa waiver scheme. Meaning that you would have to apply to the US embassy in Ballsbridge for a visa to enter the US, even if only going to NY for a weekend, which would involve an interview with an embassy official to determine your application. I don't think that all is necessarily lost, although if convicted you may need to keep yourself out of trouble for a year or two before being given a visa to enter the US. But please don't take this as definitive advice, for that you should consult a US attoney specialising in US immigration law.

PCPhoto

dats_right wrote: »

Amongst the best know criminal solicitors in Dublin City would be, in no particular order:
Michael Hanahoe & Co
Michael Staines & Co
Terence Lyons & Co
Kelleher O'Doherty Solicitors
Garrett Sheehan & Partners.

All of whom would specialise in criminal defence work and would be highly regarded. Most of their work would be from regular clients and referrals so they often don't have much need for websites and advertising, so it may be a case of having to dig up an old fashioned telephone book to get contact details.

Regarding the US travel question, I must preface my comments by saying I'm no expert on US immigration laws, but it is my understanding that a conviction for theft is as you say is considered a crime or moral turpitude which would mean that you would not be eligible to travel to the US using the visa waiver scheme. Meaning that you would have to apply to the US embassy in Ballsbridge for a visa to enter the US, even if only going to NY for a weekend, which would involve an interview with an embassy official to determine your application. I don't think that all is necessarily lost, although if convicted you may need to keep yourself out of trouble for a year or two before being given a visa to enter the US. But please don't take this as definitive advice, for that you should consult a US attoney specialising in US immigration law.

"Staines" and "Hanahoe" would be the most popular solicitors in the District Courts, they will have the most experience at such cases.

you have two options : Wait for summons or go directly to solicitor :
(Personally I would go now - but solicitor will most likely only tell you to wait until summons date and come back then)

if you wait until you receive the summons then goto a Solicitor - if argued correctly you may be allowed the benefit of probation (again) ....apologise, contribution to the poor box, explain to the court that you were under the influence of alcohol you realise it was a silly thing to do and you have learned from your mistake.

start saving some money now to offer to poor box or charity of gardai's choice. (and also to pay your solicitor...which will be relatively expensive - if you dont qualify for legal aid)

Best of luck.

Ps. if you do get convicted - make sure you goto the appeals court and appeal the decision - depending on the judge you could have the conviction overturned.

BigWilly

Thanks a mil for those replies guys.

(and also to pay your solicitor...which will be relatively expensive - if you dont qualify for legal aid)

How expensive (roughly) would this be? I've been unemployed for the last 2 months so I'm not sure what kind of money we're talking here or if I would qualify for legal aid. What would the procedure be for free legal aid. Would I get the solicitor first and then apply? Or do I show up in court and ask for it?

Ps. if you do get convicted - make sure you goto the appeals court and appeal the decision - depending on the judge you could have the conviction overturned.

This sounds like it could just add extra expense for the very off-chance that it would be overturned. Is it a complicated/costly procedure?


Thanks again guys.

Tom Young

NO LEGAL ADVICE.