Criminal Law Solicitor in Robertstown

Questions people in Robertstown ask before their first court date

Most people who contact us from this part of Kildare want the same three things cleared up quickly. What does the paperwork actually mean, do I have to go to court straight away, and what happens if I cannot afford legal representation on my own. We can talk through the charge sheet or summons with you by phone, by video, or at our Kilkenny office, and explain in plain terms what stage the case is at and what is likely to happen next.

If this is a first charge, people are often unsure whether to say anything to gardaí before they have spoken to a solicitor, and whether bail will be an issue. The answer depends on the charge and the circumstances, and we would rather go through that with you directly than guess at it here. Legal aid is applied for in court and depends on your means and the seriousness of what you are charged with, and we can advise on that application when it is relevant to your case.

The groundwork we put in before a charge is heard

Before any court date, we want sight of the charge sheet or summons, any garda notes you have been given, and a clear account from you of what happened. For most road traffic and public order matters dealt with in the District Court, this means confirming the exact charge, checking whether the paperwork has been served correctly, and working out whether there are grounds to contest it or to deal with it as straightforwardly as possible. For more serious matters likely to be sent forward for trial, the preparation starts much earlier and involves a longer conversation about strategy.

We also advise on applications to have a conviction overturned where that route is relevant, though whether it applies depends entirely on the circumstances of the original case. Once you decide to proceed with us, we set out the terms of the engagement in writing before any work begins, so you know exactly what has been agreed.

Acting for clients across Robertstown, Kilmeage, Allenwood and Prosperous

We take on cases from across this part of north Kildare, including Kilmeage and Allenwood, both around 3 km from Robertstown, and Prosperous, about 5 km away. Charges arising anywhere in this area are generally dealt with at Naas Courthouse, the District Court venue for County Kildare, with Athy Courthouse used for other parts of the county.

Our work covers the south east and Leinster generally, with court appearances arranged at the correct venue for whichever county a case comes from, so a Kildare matter is handled at a Kildare court and prepared with that in mind from the outset.