Legal support
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
- The Office of the DPP provides information on its website about what you can expect if you are a victim of crime, or asked to go to court as a witness (Brief guide to the criminal justice system).
- The DPP’s two information booklets The Role of the DPP and Going to Court as a Witness may also be useful.
- The DPP’s website also provides information about how the DPP makes prosecution decisions. It explains how to request reasons for decisions and reviews of decisions, when the DPP decides not to prosecute. The application form for such a request is available to download from the site.
- The Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Victims of Crime office have published a leaflet Making A Victim Impact Statement.
Citizens’ Information Centre
Provides information on public services and entitlements in Ireland.
Tel.: 0761 07 4000
www.citizensinformation.ie
Free Legal Advice Centre
Volunteer lawyers provide confidential, basic legal advice for free and in person across all areas of law through the network of advice centres around Ireland. They operate with the active co-operation and involvement of Citizens Information Centres.
Tel.: 1890 350 250
http://www.flac.ie/help/centres/
Legal Aid Board
Provide mediation in family disputes, and civil legal aid and advice to people who cannot afford a solicitor. They do not provide free legal aid in criminal cases as this should be arranged in court.
Tel.: 1890 615 200
http://www.legalaidboard.ie/lab/publishing.nsf/Content/Contact_Us
Victim Support at Court
Provides support both before and during court proceedings. Volunteers are trained to support prosecution witnesses and their families who have been called to court to give evidence.
Tel.: (01) 872 8765 or (087) 288 5521
www.vsac.ie