Asked to Attend a Garda Interview? Information to Have Ready for Your Solicitor
If you have been asked to attend a Garda interview, contact a solicitor with the details of the request and the proposed interview date. Advice should be based on your circumstances and the information available about the investigation; a general website checklist cannot determine how you should answer questions.
Record exactly what has been requested
Keep the letter, email or message arranging the interview. If the request was made by telephone, make a note of the date, the caller’s name, the Garda station and what was said. Distinguish the words used by the Garda from your interpretation of them.
Tell your solicitor whether the Garda described attendance as voluntary, whether you have already attended an interview, and whether you have been arrested or charged in connection with the matter. If you do not know, say so. The solicitor can identify what needs clarification.
Prepare a short chronology
Write down the events you believe may be relevant, with dates and locations where you can remember them. Mark approximate dates as approximate. Include any earlier contact with Gardaí about the same matter and any documents or material already provided.
Do not try to make every detail fit a single narrative. Uncertainty, a missing date or an incomplete memory should be identified honestly so it can be discussed during the consultation.
Identify documents and digital material
Make a list of potentially relevant correspondence, messages, photographs and records. Keep original material intact. Tell your solicitor if a device or document has already been taken by Gardaí, and provide any paperwork you received.
Discuss safe arrangements for sharing sensitive material with the firm. Avoid forwarding large amounts of personal information to multiple people in an attempt to assemble your account.
Discuss practical and communication needs
Tell the solicitor about any language, communication or accessibility needs, and any health issue that may affect your ability to take part in a consultation or interview. If the enquiry concerns a child, give the child’s age and explain who is contacting the firm on their behalf.
Confirm the date, location and arrangements with your solicitor
Before the proposed interview, make sure you know who is advising you and whether attendance at the station has been arranged. Sending an enquiry or leaving a message does not itself confirm representation. If the date changes, tell the firm promptly.
Questions worth discussing include what information has been provided about the investigation, what remains unclear, how consultation will take place and what documents the solicitor needs from you.
How Harringtons can help
Harringtons LLP’s criminal law department advises and assists clients in Garda station interviews. Phelim O’Neill works alongside Associate Solicitor Matthew Creighton and the wider team. Contact the firm on 01 539 4747 and give the station, investigating Garda and proposed interview date when known.
Our office is at Kingsbridge House, 17–22 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, D08 NRP2. The next steps depend on the circumstances and must be agreed with the solicitor handling your matter.
This article is a preparation checklist, not advice about whether to attend, answer questions or make a statement. Those decisions require advice on the individual case.
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