Criminal Law Solicitor in Baltinglass
Baltinglass sits in the west of County Wicklow, close to Donard and Dunlavin, and has no District Court of its own, so anyone charged or summonsed here needs to know which Wicklow venue will actually hear the case. We advise people from this part of the county on what to expect and how to get a solicitor in place before that first date is listed.
The kinds of charges that arise around Baltinglass and west Wicklow
Much of the work we see from this part of County Wicklow involves road traffic matters, such as drink driving, driving without insurance or careless driving, along with public order incidents connected to a night out in the town or in one of the surrounding villages. We also act in theft, assault and drugs matters, and advise on more serious charges that are sent forward for trial.
Because Baltinglass is some distance from Wicklow town and from the busier court venues on the coast, people here are often unsure which courthouse applies to them. That matters for planning your day and for knowing where your solicitor needs to turn up, so it is one of the first things we sort out.
Putting a solicitor in place before the first listing
The earlier you get advice after a charge or summons arrives, the more options are usually open to you. We ask to see the summons or charge sheet as soon as possible, along with any correspondence from the gardaí, so we can tell you what the charge involves and what the first court date is likely to require.
Consultations take place at our Kilkenny office, by phone or by video, so there is no need to travel before you have had a proper conversation about your case. If you decide to go ahead, we set out the terms of the work in a letter of engagement before anything further happens, and we explain what applying for legal aid involves if that is relevant to your situation.
Serving Baltinglass, Donard, Dunlavin and Hollywood
There is no District Court sitting in Baltinglass itself. Cases arising in the town, and in nearby Donard and Dunlavin, are generally dealt with at one of County Wicklow’s own venues, Bray Courthouse, which handles both District and Circuit Court matters, or Arklow Courthouse for District Court business. We confirm the correct venue for your particular charge once we see the paperwork.
We act for clients across this west Wicklow area, including Donard, Dunlavin and Hollywood, as part of the wider work we do across the south east and Leinster. Wherever the case is listed, we arrange representation at the relevant court date.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there a courthouse in Baltinglass?
No. Baltinglass has no District Court venue, so a charge or summons from the town is generally listed at Bray Courthouse or Arklow Courthouse, the two venues that serve County Wicklow. We confirm which one applies once we see your summons or charge sheet.
Can I speak to someone without travelling to an office?
Yes. We offer consultations by phone or video as well as at our Kilkenny office, so you can get initial advice on your charge before deciding how to proceed.
What should I do first if I have received a summons?
Get in touch with us as soon as you can and send on the summons or charge sheet so we can explain what the charge means and what the next step involves. The position depends on the circumstances and the current law, so it is worth getting advice before your first court date rather than on the morning itself.
Sound legal advice is based on years of training, hard work, and passion, as well as familiarity with legislation and precedent and sound consideration. You’ll find all that and more at Rafter Solicitors.
- 26 James Street, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
This page is general information, not legal advice. Your position depends on your circumstances and the current law; please get advice on your own situation. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
