Where to get charge sheet number from 1998

Phoenix2018

Does anyone know where to get someone's charge sheet number from a crime in 1998. Courts can't search for court records without this number and nobody not even the garda seem to know where to get it. The prison want the prison number to search for it but the number the Irish prison service gave doesn't seem to be the prison number. All this is needed for the US embassy for a holiday visa. Getting the run around for 3 months now and looking like holiday will have to be cancelled because no one knows it.

Fakediamond

I’m not understanding why you would want a charge sheet number? Did you disclose on your visa application that you have a conviction?

If you have a conviction and want to disclose it, why can’t you apply for a copy of your criminal record from An Garda Siochana via the system as outlined on their website?

Phoenix2018

Because it's pre 2000 the courts want the charge sheet number to run a search for the records. Got a garda letter with conviction but the embassy want the actual court records to see act charged under. It's a ridiculous system no one seems to know where or how to get this information. Yes disclosed on application about conviction.

Fakediamond

I would say that because it’s probably pre-computerised records, it’s going to be almost impossible at this stage. Think about it, it’s probably long since archived offsite in a dusty paper file, buried in a storage facility.

I’m guessing that because you mention prison, presumably there is a custody record somewhere, but again, the records would be stored in a paper file and virtually impossible to find. Would the prosecuting Garda still be serving? If you know that persons name, maybe they could help but I doubt it. Could you get a solicitor to write to the embassy, explaining how impossible it is to fulfil their request, because it’s pre-computerisation? You were honest enough to disclose it, why can’t that be enough?

Phoenix2018

Yes the new pulse system can't run the search for this number. The garda would be long gone I'd say. Embassy are so strict they want these records otherwise they'll want them in the US and could be sent home.

Fakediamond

If you were represented by a solicitor, they might still have the file, which might have a copy of the charge sheet.

The only other thing I can think of is to make a request under Freedom of Information Act to view your Garda or prison file, that should trigger a different procedure and might force them to find your records. Do your own research on that or ask a solicitor to assist you in making the application. AFAIK, they have to respond within a certain number of weeks, I’m not sure how many though.

Phoenix2018

Ok thanks so much for your help I'll try that route