Criminal Law Solicitor in Dungarvan
Dungarvan has its own District Court venue, so most criminal matters arising in the town are heard at Dungarvan Courthouse rather than sent elsewhere in County Waterford. If the matter is more serious and goes forward on indictment, it is dealt with at the Circuit Court sitting in Waterford Courthouse on Catherine Street. Either way, the earlier you get advice on what the charge actually means, the better placed you are to deal with it.
What typically brings a case before Dungarvan’s District Court
The cases we’re contacted about from Dungarvan and the surrounding area cover a wide range, from road traffic offences and public order charges to matters involving assault, theft or breach of the peace. Many start with a call to a garda station rather than a courtroom, and what is said or signed at that early stage often shapes everything that follows. We attend garda stations at any hour to advise a client before they’re interviewed or asked to make a statement.
Some matters stay within the District Court and are dealt with there from first appearance to conclusion. Others, because of the seriousness of the charge or the value involved, are returned for trial and move to the Circuit Court in Waterford. Knowing early which path a case is likely to take affects how it should be prepared, so we try to form a view on that as soon as we have the details.
Steps to take once a charge or summons reaches you
If you’ve received a summons or charge sheet connected to Dungarvan, the practical first step is to get in touch before the date on the paperwork, not on the morning itself. We’ll have an initial conversation, at no obligation on either side, to understand what you’ve been charged with and what stage things are at. If you decide to go ahead, we set out the terms of acting for you in a letter of engagement before any work begins.
Where legal aid may apply, that’s a separate application made to the court and depends on your means and the seriousness of the charge, something we can talk through with you rather than assume either way. Consultations can take place at our Kilkenny office, by phone, or by video, whichever suits you better given that the case itself will be heard locally.
Acting for people across Dungarvan, Abbeyside and the surrounding area
We act for clients in Dungarvan itself as well as the immediate surrounds, including Abbeyside, Ballinacourty and Ballinroad, all within a short distance of the town centre. District Court matters arising here are listed at Dungarvan Courthouse, while anything sent forward for trial is dealt with at Waterford Courthouse on Catherine Street, roughly 40 kilometres to the north-east in County Waterford.
Because Dungarvan has its own sitting, people in this part of the county don’t have to travel to Waterford city for most criminal matters, only for the more serious cases that go to the Circuit Court. We represent clients at both venues as the case requires.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Where will my case be heard if I’ve been charged in Dungarvan?
District Court matters arising in Dungarvan are generally heard at Dungarvan Courthouse. If the charge is more serious and goes forward for trial, it moves to the Circuit Court at Waterford Courthouse on Catherine Street.
Can I get advice before I attend the garda station?
Yes, we attend garda stations around the clock to advise clients before and during questioning. Getting advice at this stage can make a real difference to how the rest of the case unfolds.
Do I need to come to Kilkenny for a consultation?
No, consultations can take place at our Kilkenny office, by phone or by video, whichever is more practical for you. Court appearances themselves take place at the relevant Waterford venue, not in Kilkenny.
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.
