Criminal Law Solicitor in Portlaw

The charges we typically see from people living around Portlaw

Most of the work that comes to us from this part of County Waterford involves road traffic matters, public order incidents, minor assaults and theft or criminal damage charges, the kind of cases that are heard regularly in the District Court. Some are straightforward and resolved in a single appearance. Others, particularly repeat road traffic offences or anything involving an allegation of violence, need more preparation and sometimes a barrister’s input before the case is called.

We also deal with more serious matters that are sent forward from the District Court for trial. In those cases, the early stages matter a great deal, what is said to gardaí, what evidence is gathered, and how the case is framed from the outset, because that groundwork shapes everything that follows. We also advise on applications to have a conviction overturned, where the circumstances allow for that.

How to put a solicitor in place once you know a case is coming

The earlier we hear from you, the more we can do. If you have been arrested and are being questioned at a garda station, we can attend at any hour, including overnight. If you have simply received a summons or a charge sheet in the post, send us the paperwork as soon as it arrives so we have time to look at the detail before the first court date.

A first conversation with us is a no-obligation discussion of your situation, nothing is assumed and nothing is committed to on either side. If you decide to go ahead, we set out the terms in a letter of engagement before any work begins. From there we talk through legal aid where it may apply, which depends on your means and the seriousness of the charge, and we start putting together what is needed for your case.

Acting for clients in Portlaw and the west Waterford area

Portlaw sits about 15 kilometres west of Waterford City, within reach of Kilmacthomas and Ferrybank, and falls under Waterford City and County Council for local authority matters. There is no District Court sitting in Portlaw itself, so a charge or summons connected to the town is almost always listed at Dungarvan Courthouse, which handles District Court business for the county. If the matter is sent forward to the Circuit Court, that is heard at Waterford Courthouse on Catherine Street.

We take on cases from across the south east and Leinster, so a Portlaw matter sits alongside the work we already do in Waterford, Kilkenny and the surrounding counties. Court appearances happen at the relevant county venue, and consultations can take place at our Kilkenny office, by phone or by video, whichever suits you best.