Here you will find information on the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court including bail, appeals and payment of fines
What offences does the District Court deal with?
What offences does the District Court deal with?
All criminal prosecutions are initiated in the District Court with the exception of certain offences dealt with by the Special Criminal Court (generally offences against the State).
How are criminal matters brought before the District Criminal Court?
How are criminal matters brought before the District Criminal Court?
A person is brought before the court either by way of a Summons or Charge Sheet.
What is bail and how does it work?
What is bail and how does it work?
Bail is when a person enters a written bond, also known as recognisance, committing to appear before the court to answer the charges made against them.
Appeals to the Circuit Court
Appeals to the Circuit Court
Decisions of the District Court can be appealed to the Circuit Court with some exceptions (e.g. an order dismissing a complaint and directing the complainant to pay costs; or a refusal to grant legal aid).
Fines imposed in the District Court
Fines imposed in the District Court
A fine is the amount of money the judge decides has to be paid as punishment for an offence.
Restoring a driving licence
Restoring a driving licence
How can I apply to have my driving licence restored following a court disqualification?
Want to pay by card?
Want to pay by card?
Cash is disappearing from our wallets and being replaced by cards and other payment methods. If you need to make a payment through the Courts Service, you have the option to make a payment by card in Circuit and District Court offices nationwide.