Have I received an Adult Caution?

93Sean93

So at the beginning of the month, I attended a music festival at which I was caught by a member of the Gardai of being in possession of a substance, it was confiscated and he told me that I would receive a Formal Caution for the drugs. He read the caution aloud to me and made a note of it on paper so that I could sign saying I understood and that the information he had taken was correct.

What was unusual was that the drugs I was caught with, are not scheduled under any law? I told him this and he said he understood and that this was the reason that I received a caution as opposed to a court summons (however the seized drugs were being sent away to the Forensics lab to confirm they were unscheduled).

Basically, I'm seriously confused and worried about the whole thing. I don't know whether to expect some follow up and I really want to avoid my parents finding out about this, I'm an adult (19) yet living at home and if they get wind of this I'll be kicked out of home and my college fees will be cut. I'm at the point where I'm actually losing sleep over the consequences, but if there's a bright side it's that I've been so scared ****less of the whole ordeal that I will definitely not be dabbling in drugs ever again.

If anyone could offer ANY advice on this, I'd really really appreciate it.

Shield

Here you go...

93Sean93

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. Unfortunately the link you provided seems to confuse me more than answer any questions. I had already read up as much as I could find on the adult cautioning scheme and I can't tell if I've received one or not? When I signed the notebook in the presence of the Garda was that it? I don't know if he was a Superintendent but perhaps he was acting as one in this case? Also I'm unsure what actual crime I've committed, yet I don't want to make a fuss as I don't want my parents finding out.

Shield

You will receive one. The Garda will have to go back to the station, do a bit of paperwork, and your case will be recommended for an adult caution. You turn up, an Inspector will issue you the caution, you sign off agreeing not to offend again, and that's about it. Just watch the post for a letter telling you when you can go to discuss the offence, and receive the caution.

93Sean93

Okay, thank you for your help.

Shield

Anytime. Check back on this thread in a day or two because serving Gardaí are likely to read this and correct any mistake I have made. This is how I understand the Adult Cautioning Scheme to work from similar threads posted here.

Hooch

Simple possession isnt covered under the Adult Caution scheme.

What happened you OP is you were given the lawful cautioned = "You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so, but anything you do say will be taken down in writing and maybe given in evidence"

This "caution" is telling you whatever questions you answer are admissible in court. The Garda asks you questions, you answer and he writes them into his notebook. Its then read over to you and you sign it.

This will all boil down to what the State lab say the substance is. It may be part legal but if it contains ANY trace of an illegal substance then it is simple possession. Most head shop drugs are now illegal and the ones they claim are legal, infact, contain illegal substances. If such a substance is detected you will receive a summons for court.

93Sean93

93Sean93 wrote: »

So at the beginning of the month, I attended a music festival at which I was caught by a member of the Gardai of being in possession of a substance, it was confiscated and he told me that I would receive a Formal Caution for the drugs. He read the caution aloud to me and made a note of it on paper so that I could sign saying I understood and that the information he had taken was correct.

What was unusual was that the drugs I was caught with, are not scheduled under any law? I told him this and he said he understood and that this was the reason that I received a caution as opposed to a court summons (however the seized drugs were being sent away to the Forensics lab to confirm they were unscheduled).

Basically, I'm seriously confused and worried about the whole thing. I don't know whether to expect some follow up and I really want to avoid my parents finding out about this, I'm an adult (19) yet living at home and if they get wind of this I'll be kicked out of home and my college fees will be cut. I'm at the point where I'm actually losing sleep over the consequences, but if there's a bright side it's that I've been so scared ****less of the whole ordeal that I will definitely not be dabbling in drugs ever again.

If anyone could offer ANY advice on this, I'd really really appreciate it.

Sounds like you may have signed a statement. You will more than likely be contacted by phone if you are to be adult cautioned.

If you do receive an adult caution you do not need to disclose it. It is not a conviction. You are over 18 so the only way your parents find out is if you blab. Same for work/college.

bravestar

OP, what were the "drugs" you were caught with?

93Sean93

I see, that makes sense, it must have been the lawful caution I was given. Does anyone have any idea I'm going to be waiting for the lab analysis?

Thanks all for the help. If the substances turn out to be 100% unscheduled, will the case essentially be dropped? For anyone interested the substances were etizolam, methiopropamine and dimethocaine, which are not covered under any law as of now.

Thanks again.

93Sean93

93Sean93 wrote: »

I see, that makes sense, it must have been the lawful caution I was given. Does anyone have any idea I'm going to be waiting for the lab analysis?

Thanks all for the help. If the substances turn out to be 100% unscheduled, will the case essentially be dropped? For anyone interested the substances were etizolam, methiopropamine and dimethocaine, which are not covered under any law as of now.

Thanks again.

A few months usually.

Rascasse

93Sean93 wrote: »

I see, that makes sense, it must have been the lawful caution I was given. Does anyone have any idea I'm going to be waiting for the lab analysis?

Thanks all for the help. If the substances turn out to be 100% unscheduled, will the case essentially be dropped? For anyone interested the substances were etizolam, methiopropamine and dimethocaine, which are not covered under any law as of now.

Thanks again.

You may want to check that. Dimethocaine looks to have been scheduled in 2011. The others too perhaps.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/pdf/2011/en.si.2011.0551.pdf

bravestar

Rascasse wrote: »

You may want to check that. Dimethocaine looks to have been scheduled in 2011. The others too perhaps.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/pdf/2011/en.si.2011.0551.pdf

The other two are some form of derivative of BZP, so yes OP in my opinion you had 3 things you shouldn't of but I guess only time will tell.

Why not just have a few drinks like most people instead of risking this crap from back yard chemists.

Whitewater-AGS

I seen summons in this mans future, the lab will find elements of most of those drugs illegal.