In trouble

LegacyUser

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right place to post. Ive got myself into trouble with the law. I didnt kill anyone, but I might be in some major trouble. My intentions were good for what i was doing but I didnt follow the laws and so now im in limbo. Waiting on the Gardai to let me know whats going on, and if I face any charges.

I cant eat or sleep this past few days. My girlfriend and family have been great, and even the gardi have been helpful. But I might face some hard questions in the next few weeks. And none of the answers will be easy to give, without getting me or others into more trouble.

Im normaly a very happy with my lot type of guy, and glass half full look on things. But this has me down lower then I have ever been. its the unknown thats killing me. the what ifs and what nexts. my life just feels like its on hold.

Sinall

Sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time. Without knowing what you did or what laws you might have broken it's hard to know what the Guards reaction will be so you will just have to wait that out. It sounds like it's the waiting that's really getting to you and that its hanging over you! Do you know when you are likely to hear from the Guards?

Try to keep yourself busy and distracted - do things with your girlfriend and family. Try to keep going as normal. And consider consulting a solicitor who will be able to give you the best possible advice in relation to how things might go with the Gardai and will also be able to tell you if there is anything you can do that might work in your favour.

Miss Fluff

First port of call if to get the best possible legal representation there is. My brother is a criminal barrister. If you want to PM me where you are based in Ireland I can ask for a recommendation for a good criminal solicitor for you.

the_syco

Unregistered wrote: »

But I might face some hard questions in the next few weeks. And none of the answers will be easy to give, without getting me or others into more trouble.

Get a solictor to go with you, to ensure you don't implicate yourself in something.

ascend

I agree with the other posters. Make sure you get good legal rep.

samslade

all of the following is just my own unqualified opinion and does not constitute legal advice:
a criminal solicitor would probably advise you not to say anything to the guards unless and until they actually arrest you, regardless of your actual innocence or guilt.
That's one option - the other option is to be as cooperative as possible. Guards will have a fair bit of power if you get charged. They can make an arrest as easy or as hard as they like. The judge will probably let them make the decision on whether bail should be granted, and if any conditions should be attached. They will be witnesses for the case against you. So antagonising them may have negative consequences.
A solicitor would also advise you, that if you do decide to say anything to them, to make sure it is recorded. This is because a statement can be shaped somewhat by the person asking questions and writing it down. Stuff can be put down slightly differently to how it is said. Also the questions they ask are not written in the statement, only the answers you give - which can give a different impression. At the end of the day, regardless of how sympathetic a guard may be, their job is to build a case against you.
A solicitor is unlikely to accompany you to the station, unless you are accused of murder or something I think.
If you are charged with a criminal offence that puts you at risk of imprisonment, and you do not have a lot of money, you may be given free representation. You will need a bank statement, and evidence of your employment/studies/unemployment, and you'll need to get your barrister/solicitor to request it in the court when you are charged. Some barristers/solicitors with good reputations, who would be unaffordable for most people otherwise, are available through this scheme.