What happens in court?

hul

Hi there. I noticed the lack of a sticky, so I'd like to say that it would be nice to have one.

I am due in Dublin district court tomorrow morning for a minor traffic offense. I've never been before and have no idea what the procedure is. I asked the garda who delivered the summons and he said to just show up on time, apolgise to the judge and make offer a couple of quid to a charity.

What happens before i go in? Does everybody wear suit and tie to impress the judge? Will the garda who stopped me be there? Will i have to answer many questions?

Kosseegan

Whatever you do, don't take advice from the prosecuting guard. You will see what goes on wnhen you get there. You should have got the summons 48 hours before you were due in Court so you have left it a bit late. It would be better if you had gone to Court the day before and watch what goes on.

Croc

I would'ent be taking advice from the previous poster either as they don't know what they are talking about, a summons is required to be served seven days before the court sitting not 48 hours. Link Scroll down to [Time for service]

As a general rule most Gardai are only doing their job in taking a prosecutions, epically for minor Road Traffic Matters and are only glad to assist people before the courts by advising them on what to do etc.

hul

I could not go to court before tomorrow as i am a full time student. Who decides the size of the donation?

gbee

In my case turn up in suit. Stand and wait. Name called, identified myslef to the judge. Prosecuting Garda called, called again ... short wait.

"Thank you ... illegible ..." said the judge.

What did he say I asked a nearby garda, you're off the hook, leg it!

twowheelsonly

Croc wrote: »

I would'ent be taking advice from the previous poster either as they don't know what they are talking about, a summons is required to be served seven days before the court sitting not 48 hours. Link Scroll down to [Time for service]

As a general rule most Gardai are only doing their job in taking a prosecutions, epically for minor Road Traffic Matters and are only glad to assist people before the courts by advising them on what to do etc.

+ 1

Wear decent or smart casual clothes, doesn't have to be a suit. Def no tracksuits/runners or sports gear.
The proseceuting Garda should be there and will give his statement to the Court - the Judge then may or may not choose to ask you a few questions or otherwise will ask you what you have to say for yourself.

Have a chat with the proseceuting Garda beforehand, or indeed any Garda and they will tell you what to do/where to wait/what to say etc.

Be humble and honest before the Judge, accept that you made a mistake (if you're not contesting it), swear that you've never done it before and are not likely to do so again. Don't try to offer excuses - they've heard them all before, even the original one that you're planning in your mind!!
Apologise for taking up the Garda and Court time and explain that you're really nervous as you've never been in Court before.

Judges like honesty and will give you a chance depending on the circumstances and the offence. Without knowing what this 'Minor Offence' is it's impossible to predict what the Judge will decide.

Unregistered.

twowheelsonly wrote: »

+ 1

Wear decent or smart casual clothes, doesn't have to be a suit. Def no tracksuits/runners or sports gear.
The proseceuting Garda should be there and will give his statement to the Court - the Judge then may or may not choose to ask you a few questions or otherwise will ask you what you have to say for yourself.

Have a chat with the proseceuting Garda beforehand, or indeed any Garda and they will tell you what to do/where to wait/what to say etc.

Be humble and honest before the Judge, accept that you made a mistake (if you're not contesting it), swear that you've never done it before and are not likely to do so again. Don't try to offer excuses - they've heard them all before, even the original one that you're planning in your mind!!
Apologise for taking up the Garda and Court time and explain that you're really nervous as you've never been in Court before.

Judges like honesty and will give you a chance depending on the circumstances and the offence. Without knowing what this 'Minor Offence' is it's impossible to predict what the Judge will decide.

I'm in there tomorrow for cycling through a red light. It will be my first time. Do judges generally impose a fixed amount to be paid to charity or does it depend on what can be afforded? I was told to offer €20 by the Garda who issued my summons, is that right?