Garda Station Solicitor Ireland

If you have been contacted by An Garda Síochána in connection with a sexual offence allegation — whether asked to attend voluntarily or arrested — you need specialist legal advice before you say a single word. Call us now.

If You Have Been Contacted by Gardaí, Act Immediately

The moment you are contacted by An Garda Síochána about a sexual offence allegation is one of the most consequential moments in your case. What you say — or do not say — in a Garda interview can have a direct and lasting impact on the outcome of any subsequent prosecution.

Many people believe they should attend, cooperate fully, and explain themselves. In many cases, this instinct, however understandable, can seriously damage a defence. Gardaí are trained investigators. Interviews are recorded. Anything you say will form part of the prosecution file.

You have an absolute right to have a solicitor present before and during any Garda interview. You should exercise that right immediately — before attending any interview, before making any statement, and before speaking informally with any Garda about the allegation.

Daniel Kreith Solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you have been contacted by Gardaí anywhere in Ireland, call us now.

What Are Your Rights at a Garda Station?

Understanding your rights before you walk through the door of a Garda station can make a significant difference to how your case develops.

• The right to consult a solicitor before interview

  Under Irish law, you have an absolute right to consult with a solicitor before a Garda interview takes place. This right applies whether you are attending voluntarily or have been arrested. Gardaí are legally required to inform you of this right, and no substantive interview should begin until you have had the opportunity to speak with your solicitor.

• The right to have your solicitor present

  You are entitled to have your solicitor present with you throughout the interview. Our solicitors attend Garda stations across Ireland at short notice and will be with you when it matters most.

• The right to silence

  In most circumstances, you have the right to remain silent during a Garda interview. You are not obliged to answer questions. Whether to exercise this right, and how, is a matter of legal strategy that depends on the specific facts of your case. This is one of the most important decisions you will make, and it should only be made with specialist legal advice.

• The right to know the nature of the allegation

  You are entitled to be informed of the general nature of the allegation against you before interview. Your solicitor will ensure this obligation is met and will advise you accordingly before the interview begins.

Our Garda Station Representation Service

Our role at the Garda station is not simply to be present. It is to actively protect your legal position from the moment we arrive.

Voluntary Attendance vs Arrest — What Is the Difference?

Gardaí investigating sexual offence allegations frequently ask individuals to attend a Garda station voluntarily for interview. This may feel informal — but it is not.

• Voluntary attendance

  If you are asked to attend voluntarily, you are not under arrest. You are technically free to leave. However, if you attend without a solicitor and make statements that damage your position, those statements can be used against you in any subsequent prosecution. Voluntary attendance does not mean the interview is informal or that the rules are different.

• Arrest under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984

  Where Gardaí have reasonable grounds to suspect your involvement in a serious offence, you may be arrested and detained for questioning. You can be detained for an initial period of six hours, which can be extended. You have the same right to a solicitor regardless of whether you are attending voluntarily or have been arrested.

In either case, the correct course of action is the same: contact Daniel Kreith Solicitors immediately, before the interview takes place.

Nationwide Garda Station Coverage

We attend Garda stations across Ireland at short notice, including in the following regions:

• Limerick

  We regularly attend Henry Street Garda Station and other stations throughout Limerick city and county. As a Limerick-based practice, we are well positioned to respond quickly to calls from clients in the region.

• Cork

  We attend Garda stations throughout Cork city and county, including Anglesea Street, Togher, Mayfield, Carrigaline, and stations across the wider county.

• Clare

  We attend stations across County Clare including Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush, and Ennistymon.

• Kerry

  We attend stations throughout County Kerry including Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, and Kenmare.

• Tipperary

  We attend stations across County Tipperary including Clonmel, Nenagh, Thurles, and Carrick-on-Suir.

• Galway

  We attend Garda stations in Galway city and county including Mill Street, Salthill, Tuam, and Ballinasloe.

• Waterford

  We attend stations across County Waterford including Waterford city, Dungarvan, and Tramore.

We represent clients throughout Ireland. If your nearest station is not listed above, contact us — we will attend wherever we are required.

When to Contact Us

The answer is simple: immediately. Do not wait until the morning. Do not attend the station first to "see what it is about." Do not speak to friends, family, or colleagues about what has been alleged before speaking to us.

Frequently Asked Questions