How long does it take for the DPP to make a decision?

the O Reilly connection

Hi

I was wondering how long it takes for the DPP to make a decision on whether to prosecute someone or not?

Thanks

Peregrinus

How long is a piece of string? Depends on the gravity of the charge, the nature and weight of the evidence, and boring factors like resourcing issues — is their a prosecutor in the DPP's office free to progress the matter.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123379949#Comment_123379949

Whats the maxmimum length it can stay there?

Peregrinus

There is no fixed maximum. But, the longer that elapses before a prosecution begins, the harder it is to mount a successful prosecution. (But we're talking periods of years here.)

Kaisr Sose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123380084#Comment_123380084

No maximum. They are reviewing the files on Daniel Kinahan sikce Aug 2023 also on Gerry Hutch as head of an OCG since Jan this year.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123381601#Comment_123381601

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123381606#Comment_123381606

When they make a decision to prosecute how long then does it take to go to court?

_BAA_RAM_EWE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123382701#Comment_123382701

years, they can drag things out for years.

Their was a case on RTE a few months back and the folk involved were complaining it had dragged out for 11 years I think it was.

I knew someone (he was an asshole, drinking and fighting with guards) that had a case in the local district court and the judge use to just push it back for no real reason/looking for a document or they'd run out of time on court day so it went unheard several times but he had to show up at 9am and sit there all day waiting. It went on for 2/3 years like that.

Its a broken system. Like all the rest.

I see the driving test waiting list made the news last week. 20+years ago it was an issue and it still is. Nothing improves. Everything gets worse.

csirl

If you"re a victim, the DPP has a victim liaison unit who give victims families updates on cases.

Murt2024

it depends on the crime really, different crimes, different rules.

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123383064#Comment_123383064

I don’t think that the DPPs office it’s the Garda station investigating will have a victim liaison Garda who will keep you updated.

No point ringing them either to seek updates they will send you a letter or be in contact when they have one for you.

csirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123383087#Comment_123383087

DPP also liaise directly with victims.. Victims families are one of a very limited category of people who can correspond directly with the DPP and make non-evidential submissions to the DPP. In fairness to the DPP, they always respond to victims and try to answer their queries. I have a family member who was a victim of a serious crime a number of years ago and our family maintained regular contact with the DPP.

the O Reilly connection

That's awesome. Thanks for your help.

JVince

In less serious criminal matters its the gardai that prosecute in the name of the DPP.

Explained quite well here https://www.garda.ie/en/services/reporting/appearing-in-court-and-the-court-process.html

There is a shortcoming on this that some gardai may "embellish" information. Thankfully the DPP does have oversight on all garda prosecutions