The District Court Criminal Trial-What Is The Procedure?

If you find yourself in the District Court as a result of receiving a summons or having been arrested and charged through the charge sheet procedure you will be asked how you plead on your first occasion in Court.


If you plead guilty then that is the end of the matter and the Judge (and it will be a Judge alone in the District Court) will sentence you or adjourn the matter to have community service or probation reports prepared before sentencing.

If however on your first occasion before the Court you plead not guilty then the matter will be adjourned and your solicitor will ask the Judge for a hearing date and to make an order for him/her to be furnished with the evidence that will be used to secure your conviction.

(This is part of the criminal law in Ireland series of articles.)

This can simply be a précis of the evidence or a Gary Doyle order but whichever order is made your solicitor will be entitled to receive Garda statements, custody records (if any), and videotape evidence(if any). Your case will also be given a date for trial.

The District Court trial itself

On the day of the trial your case will be called by the Court clerk and the prosecution solicitor or commonly the prosecuting Garda will give his/her evidence of the alleged offence and the circumstances surrounding it.

If there is a solicitor involved for the State then he/she will carry out a direct examination of all of the state’s witnesses. Your solicitor will then cross examine the state’s witnesses and attempt to raise doubts about their version of events to raise a reasonable doubt in the mind of the Judge.

Your solicitor will then make a submission to the Judge that based on the evidence heard you have no case to answer and ask the Judge to dismiss the case.

At this point if the Judge does indeed decide that you have a case to answer having listened to the State’s case then your solicitor will mount your defence by calling any witnesses that will be useful to your case and carry out a direct examination. These witnesses will then be cross examined by the state’s solicitor.

Once all witnesses have been heard your Solicitor can make a submission to the Judge that the State has failed to discharge it’s burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) and argue that the case against you has not been made out.

It is up to the Judge then to decide to convict or dismiss. If you are convicted then your Solicitor will make a plea in mitigation of sentence on your behalf.

The Judge will ask about previous convictions (if any) and may either impose a sentence on the spot or adjourn sentencing pending the receipt of probation or community service reports or indeed any other type of report he decides.

Plea in mitigation of sentence

The plea in mitigation of sentence is a critical part of the skill of a good solicitor-we will look at it in greater detail in another part of this site as this part of the criminal process is so critically important.

If you find yourself in Court you should consider very strongly instructing a solicitor on your behalf because a good solicitor will more than justify the cost (if you don’t qualify for free legal aid).

Filed Under: Criminal Law Tagged With: , , ,

The Civil Summons Procedure in Ireland

The Civil Summons procedure is the method of issuing legal proceedings in the District Court. The District Court deals with claims with a value up to €6,348.69 (IR£5,000) and many people in Ireland will have been served with, or served, a Civil Summons in the last 18 months to pursue a debt.


Debt collection in Ireland has become increasingly active and pressurized in the last two years and an understanding of how to collect a debt or how to defend such an action is important to avoid having a judgment granted against you.

If you want to pursue a debt for less than €6,348.69 you can issue and serve a Civil Summons in your District Court area or in the District Court area of your debtor. Issuing a Civil summons in Dublin is slightly different than outside of Dublin.

Issuing a Civil Summons

To issue a Civil Summons in Dublin you simply bring your Summons along to the District Court office in the Four Courts. You will need two copies and one will need to be stamped with stamp duty of €20.

The District Court office will stamp your summons with a date. This date is called the return date which simply means that you appear in court on that date and will be given a date for the hearing of your claim.

Service of a Civil Summons

It is necessary though to firstly serve the Summons on your Debtor and you do this by serving a copy of  the Civil Summons on them.

Service of any summons or legal document is determined by the rules of the various courts. Generally if you are suing a company you serve on the registered office of the company by ordinary post.

Service on an individual can be carried out by registered post or by personal service.

All of the rules in relation to service of legal papers and precedents for drafting your legal papers, such as your Civil Summons, can be found on the courts website at http://www.courts.ie

Once you have served your summons the debtor must file a Notice of Intention to Defend the proceedings in the office of the District Court. Once they do this your case will appear in the Court’s list on the return date and will be given a hearing or trial date.

If no Notice of Intention to Defend is filed by your debtor then you will be free to obtain a judgment against your debtor without any further court appearance.

If this is the case then one you get your Judgment or Summary Decree you send it to the Sheriff of the District court area for him/her to try to recover the value of your Summons.

Clearly if you are the recipient of a Civil Summons for A Debt then you should either make sure to fill out the Notice of Intention to Defend form and give it back into the District Court office and a copy to the person who is suing you (or their solicitor).

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself then you should call to a solicitor who will look after it for you.

But however you decide to act, do not bury your head in the sand if you are served with a Civil Summons or you run the risk of having Judgment granted against you in your absence.

Filed Under: Debt Problems | Bankruptcy Tagged With: , , , ,

Debt Collection In Ireland-Debt Collections

Debt collection in Ireland is a serious problem for many small business owners.

And a working knowledge of the enforcement procedures that are available for collection of debt in Ireland is an important asset for any small business owner.


Debt collection is a topical issue at the moment for many small businesses and entrepreneurs. Questions which crop up most often include-

How do I pursue a debt?

Why can I not issue debtor proceedings for rent owed for my house?

Can I issue debt proceedings in the District Court myself?

What should I do when I receive debt collection letters?

What is the best way to deal with debt collection agencies?

Should I use a debt collection agency when trying to collect a debt?

Judgment mortgages?

Where to bring enforcement proceedings for debt collection?

Generally where the creditor lives of carries on his business. The district court will be the venue for sums less than €6,348.

District Court proceedings (sums less than €6,348)

Where you are owed a sum of less than €6,348 and have exhausted your debt collection procedure of issuing demand letters and are clearly having no success the next step in the debt collection process is to issue and serve a Civil Summons claiming your debt on your creditor.

If you then receive no letter of intention to defend the summons then you are free to apply to the District court office, filing the correct documents, for a summary decree. This simply means that if the person who owes you the debt does not defend your claim or contest the amount, then you can get a summary decree from the district court which certifies the debt that is owed to you.
The documents you need to file in this application are-

1. An affidavit of debt sworn by yourself or by someone on your behalf ( eg company accountant, company secretary)
2. A completed decree form

If the District court is satisfied to enter judgment then you will get your signed decree from the District court and this can be sent to the Sheriff for enforcement. Your debt collection process can be helped greatly if you call to your local district court office and speak to the staff there.

They are generally very helpful and the whole process of debt collection can be greatly simplified with a bit of effort on your behalf.

Circuit Court proceedings (sums less than €38,092.14)

Again when no defence or appearance is received to your issuing of proceedings(Civil Bill) in your debt collection efforts you are free to lodge the necessary papers in the Circuit Court office to obtain judgment.

The papers to be lodged in the Circuit Court office are more extensive and you really need the help of a solicitor to do so. But because the amount of debt that the circuit court will be dealing with will be up to €38,092.14, then it will be well worth it to get a legal professional on the case.

If the debt is defended and contested then it goes to court hearing and assuming you win an award you can obtain the court order from the County Registrar.

And just like the debt collection procedure for the district court, you can get the sheriff for the area to execute the court order.

High Court (sums greater than €38,092.14)

To carry out your debt collection for sums of this magnitude you must issue a High Court Summary Summons.

Assuming that no appearance has been entered by your creditor then you can proceed to lodge the necessary papers with the Central Office of the High Court judgments section which will allow you to obtain judgment in default of appearance.

This is a technical and demanding process which will require the assistance of a solicitor.

Once judgment has been obtained it should firstly be served on the defendant. Judgments of all courts can then be registered in the Central Office of the High Court and will appear in trade gazettes such as Stubb’s Gazette.

This prospect of adverse publicity can encourage a creditor to pay you promptly.

There are various procedures then for summoning before the appropriate court the debtor for the purposes of ascertaining what property and assets the debtor owns. This is a similar procedure which occurs in relation to bankruptcy.

If and when you obtain a court order or judgment against your creditor in your debt collection process another further step is to obtain a judgment mortgage on some valuable property of the creditor.

Judgment Mortgage

It is possible to register a judgment mortgage on property of the debtor, even the family home. You can then apply to the appropriate court to force the sale of the house and get paid out of the proceeds.

However the courts are reluctant to force the sale of the family home. It is important to realise that a judgment mortgage can be registered on a family home even without the consent of the non debt owing spouse.

To obtain the judgment mortgage you need to go to the appropriate court and file various documents such as details of the name of the cause, the names and addresses of the parties, the trades or professions of the parties, the location of the lands, the amount of the debt and costs and a statement from the party who is owed the money which must be sworn.

Once the judgment mortgage is obtained then it can be registered in the Land Registry or the Registry of Deeds.

Once the judgment mortgage is registered the creditor can issue proceedings for the sale of the property and if he is successful in this application then the court makes an order for sale and this sale is supervised by the Examiner of the High Court.

For this part of your debt collection procedure you will generally need the help of a solicitor. But for anyone involved in small business it is no burden to carry to understand how the debt collection process works and your role in it.

Execution Order

The execution order occurs in the latter phase of debt collection. And this is after you have obtained a court order for the debt due to you.

In this scenario you apply to the relevant court for an execution order which, if granted, is sent to the Sheriff for execution. The sheriff then writes to the debtor and has a duty to execute the execution order within a reasonable time.

He has the power to seize all the debtors’ moveable goods and has a right of entry into premises but he must not use violence and must have reasonable grounds for believing that there are defaulter’s goods on the premises.
You will then be in a position to hand over that decree to the sheriff for the area and he must attempt to execute it on your behalf.

An execution order is valid for 12 months but often if the debtor has no goods to seize then the sheriff will return the execution order to the creditor marked ‘nulla bona’ which essentially means ‘no goods’.

However nowadays this procedure can be ineffective in practice as a lot of goods will be leased or supplied to the debtor with retention of title clauses in the contract or on a sale or return basis.

However the existence of bankruptcy proceedings, receivership or liquidation complicates things and the Official Assignee in bankruptcy, the receiver or liquidator all have priority. So whilst some debt collection procedures are relatively straightforward, some will need the assistance of a solicitor.

Attachment and Committal

This is a process where a debtor fails to abide by the terms of an instalment order (an order to pay a certain amount laid down by the court) then you can apply to the District court for an order of committal ie an order for arrest and imprisonment.

To apply for this order the you will need to lodge with the court the instalment order and a declaration of its service on the creditor.

However if the creditors failure is due to hardship or inability to pay the Judge will seldom grant a committal order.

Attachments of Debts(Garnishee)

Another feature of the debt collection procedure is a fairly uncommon procedure called a Garnishee.

This occurs where the creditor has no assets apart from debts due to him, then you can apply to have those debts paid to him instead. This can also occur in relation to balances in the creditors bank account, wages due to him and any other sums due to him.

Appointment of Receiver

Both the High court and the Circuit court have the power to appoint a receiver over a judgment debtor’s property to enforce a judgment. When the receiver takes possession it is held for the court who directs what shall be done with it. The receiver has the powers which are given to him by the court.

Bankruptcy

Another, and last resort procedure, in your debt collection may involve issuing bankruptcy proceedings.

If you are intending to issuing bankruptcy proceedings against a creditor you should bear in mind the following

You gain no priority in relation to your debt

Preferential claims will still be paid first ie employees, Revenue Commissioners etc.

Bankruptcy summons will only be granted by the High Court where all other avenues have been exhausted

The Bankruptcy Act 1988 provides 2 methods by which a debtor can make a formal arrangement with his creditors

A private arrangement under the control of the court which is very similar to an examinership process for companies.

This involves the debtor setting out the reasons why he is unable to pay his debts and requesting protection from proceedings including Bankruptcy.

When the protection order has been granted the debtor will meet with his creditors and make an offer to them.

If three fifths of the creditors in number and value accept the offer, it is deemed to be accepted

Private arrangement outside the court. This is a matter of contract between the debtor and his creditors and needs the support of all creditors.

Companies

Where you are owed money by a company and you know the company is insolvent then you can petition the High Court to wind up the company (section 213 procedure). This can be an effective debt collection procedure, although the courts do not like to see it used until all other debt collection avenues have been explored first.

To do this you serve a 21 day demand letter on the company; if the debt is not paid within this period the debtor is free to petition for the winding up. Again the petitioner’s debt ranks behind preferential creditors such as employees and the Revenue Commissioners.

Pursuing debt collection against a company

1. Obtain a judgement against the company by way of “summons for liquidated debt”, the amount of debt determines in what Court the summons is issued
2. Have the judgement executed by the sheriff or the county registrar
3. Have the judgement registered in the High Court which will result in publication in Stubb’s Gazette, potentially affecting debtor’s credit rating
4. Lodge an affidavit with the Property Registration Authority registering the judgement against the debtor’s property.
5. Obtain a Court Order that the company has wilfully defaulted on the payment of its debt.

The Courts have broad powers including the seizure of the company’s assets,the director’s personal assets and even the imprisonment of the debtor.This option can be expensive and difficult to prove, and the Courts may take the less stringent approach of for example a stay to allow the debtor pay.

Apply to the High Court, where the company is unable to pay its debts but is not in liquidation for a wide range of reliefs, including arrest, seizure of assets,imposition of personal liability and assessment for damages.

Apply to the High Court to have the company put into liquidation.

Conclusion

Debt collection procedures can range from the relatively straightforward to the more complex. You will find many useful resources though to assist you in your debt collection efforts.

And your local district court is a good starting point.If you don’t feel comfortable pursuing your own debt collection then you should check out debt collection solicitors who will pursue the matter on your behalf.

Filed Under: Debt Problems | Bankruptcy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Small Claims Court in Ireland

The Small Claims court procedure in Ireland is an alternative method of commencing and dealing with a civil proceeding in respect of a small claim and is provided for under the District Court (Small Claims Procedure) Rules, 1997 & 1999.


The Small Claims court procedure is a service provided by District Court offices in Ireland and is designed to handle consumer claims cheaply without involving a solicitor.

To be eligible to use the small claims procedure, you, the “consumer” must have bought the goods or services (or the service) for private use from someone selling them in the course of business.

The small claims procedure is not available for use by one business person against another.

You should bring your small claim in the District Court area where:

the respondent lives or carries on business, OR
the contract was made, OR
in the case of damage to property, where the damage took place.

The District Court Clerk, called the Small Claims Registrar, processes small claims.

Where possible, the registrar will negotiate a settlement without the need for a court hearing. If the matter cannot be settled the registrar will bring your claim before the District Court.

Type of small claims dealt with

(a) a claim for goods or services bought for private use from someone selling them in the course of a business (consumer claims)

(b) a claim for minor damage to property (but excluding personal injuries)

(c) a claim for the non-return of a rent deposit for certain kinds of rented properties. For example, a holiday home or a room / flat in a premises where the owner also lives provided that a claim does not exceed €2,000.

Small claims in respect of other matters relating to rented accommodation must be brought to: Private Residential Tenancies Board,

Excluded from the small claims procedure are claims arising from:

(a) a hire-purchase agreement

(b) a breach of a leasing agreement

(c) debts

In making a small claim you must be sure of the name and address of the person or company against whom you want to make a claim. These details must be accurate in order to enable the Sheriff to execute the Court Order (Decree).

When a Respondent is a company, rather than an individual, it is important to ascertain the correct title of the company. This may be obtained from the Companies Registration Office www.cro.ie

How to Make a small claim

Contact the District Court Office in the area where:

the respondent lives or carries on business,
OR
the contract was made,
OR
in the case of damage to property, where the damage took place.

The Small Claims Registrar will provide you with the application form or you can download the Small Claims Application form from www.courts.ie

The fee for making a small claim is €15.

The completed application form together with the fee of €15 should be lodged with the Small Claims Registrar.

A copy of the completed application form will be sent by the Registrar to the person/party against whom you are making a claim, called the Respondent.

The original application form will be kept in the Registrar’s office.

If your small claim is disputed

If the Small Claims Registrar receives a notice from the Respondent disputing your claim or making a counterclaim against you, the Registrar will contact you and let you have a copy of the Respondent’s answer.

The Registrar may interview and negotiate with both parties to try to reach an agreement.

If your small claim is not disputed

If the Respondent admits your small claim he/she is required to notify the Registrar’s office by returning a Notice of Acceptance of Liability form. If the Respondent does not reply, the claim will be automatically treated as undisputed.

The District Court will then make an order in your favour (without you having to attend court) for the amount claimed, and direct that it be paid within a short specific period of time.

A counterclaim

A counterclaim is a claim made against you by the Respondent.

Failure to resolve a small claim

If the Small Claims Registrar is unable to bring about a settlement he/she will bring the case to the District Court for a hearing, if requested to do so and the Small Claims Registrar may call both parties to his/her office where a private and informal meeting will be held.

The Small Claims Registrar will probably ask you and the Respondent to outline the facts.

He/she may question both parties in an effort to clarify the issues.

If an agreement cannot be reached the Small Claims Registrar may there and then fix a date, time and location for a hearing of the claim before a judge of the District Court.

The date and time of the hearing and the address of the courthouse will be sent to both parties by post.

The District Court hearing

You must attend the District Court hearing.

On the court day remember to bring with you documentary evidence supporting your claim, e.g. letters, receipts, invoices.

The case will be heard in public as part of a normal sitting of the District Court.

Evidence must be given under oath or affirmation and the Respondent can question you on matters relating to your claim (called cross-examination).

The judge may require the Small Claims Registrar to assist the court at the hearing.

When your case is called the Court Registrar will call you to the witness box to give evidence.

The Respondent will also be given an opportunity to give evidence.

Each witness can be subject to cross examination by the opposing party or their legal representatives.

Engaging a solicitor for your small claim

You may engage a solicitor at your own cost but the whole reason for the small claims procedure is the minimization of the cost to you, the claimant.

Engaging a witness

You can bring a witness, but if expenses are incurred you will have to pay those yourself.

If you think it necessary, in your own interest, to have an expert’s report you will have to pay for this. Expert reports and witness expenses must be paid for by you.

Likewise, if the Respondent calls experts or witnesses he/she will be liable for their costs, if any.

If a witness does not agree to attend the small claims hearing

The Small Claims Registrar will, if you request and pay the small requisite fee, prepare and issue a witness summons on your behalf requiring a witness to attend the hearing.

The Small Claims Registrar will arrange service of the summons.

You will be obliged to pay for any financial loss incurred by the witness in attending court, if claimed

If the matter is decided in your favour

If the small claim is resolved in your favour, the Respondent will be notified of the court’s decision a few days after the hearing and will be allowed approximately 4 weeks to pay the amount awarded by the court.

Appealing the decision of the District Court

Both the Applicant and the Respondent have the right to appeal an order of the District Court to the Circuit Court.

Costs may be awarded by the Circuit Court but that is a matter for the individual Circuit Court judge to decide.

If the respondent does not pay

If the respondent does not pay, you can apply to the Small Claims Registrar to have the order of the court sent to you for execution by the sheriff.

There will be a fee payable to the sheriff, which will be refunded to you if the Sheriff succeeds in executing the court order (decree).

The execution of the court order is then a matter for the sheriff who will notify the claimant.

Information and assistance on enforcement procedures are available from the Small Claims Registrar.

For various reasons the Sheriff may not always be successful in the execution of Court Orders.

Conclusion

The small claims procedure can be a very useful procedure. But the small claim must be less than €2,000 and you can not use it to pursue business debts. You must have been acting as a consumer to bring a small claim.

The small claims court in Ireland is an effective method for resolving small claims without the need to employ a solicitor and the small claims procedure is pretty straightforward whilst the district court staff who deal with it are very helpful in the main and will answer your queries.

Filed Under: Debt Problems | Bankruptcy Tagged With: , , , , ,
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