NEW: Can I Represent Myself in a Drink Driving Case in Ireland?

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Day 5 of 10 – Facing Court in Ireland: What You Need to Know

Meta description: This is part of a 10-day series answering the most common fears people have about facing court in Ireland—particularly for drink driving and road traffic cases. If you’ve been arrested, or someone close to you has, you’re in the right place.

You’ve started wondering whether you really need a solicitor.

It’s just a road traffic case, right? Maybe it’s safer, cheaper—even smarter—to go it alone?

Maybe you think its pointless? You’re going to be disqualified right? So, what’s the point in paying for a solicitor?

"You’re halfway into a war,

there’s no turning back,

and you’re all alone in the open.

Its no place to be"

I’ve seen that logic many times. And I’ve seen where it leads.

Drink driving cases are not casual matters. If you’re convicted, you will lose your licence. That’s not a possibility—it’s mandatory.

So, the idea of walking into court unrepresented and thinking you’ll be fine is, frankly, dangerous.

One man I saw in court tried to defend in court. No paperwork ready, no disclosure examined, no legal submissions. Just a nice lad who thought he could wing it.

When he asked the judge what to do, he was told—calmly but firmly—that the judge couldn’t help him. That’s not how courts work.

You’re halfway into a war, there’s no turning back, and you’re all alone in the open.

Its no place to be.

Admittedly a very rare event but I think you’ll agree it’s not much fun. Ever find yourself trying to perform some task at work that you have no idea how to do?

Exactly.

There are over 700 court decisions that define this area of law. Most are lengthy and complex. The idea that someone with no training will somehow navigate that terrain—and come out the other side without a conviction—isn’t brave.

It’s insane.

For instance, what would you say? How would you cross-examine? What questions would you ask? How would you know what to object to? And why?

And remember this isn’t about saving face. It’s about keeping your licence, your job, and in some cases, your ability to travel abroad.

Being off the road for 2, 3 or 4 years gives you a long time to think about your choices. You’ve got to face that voice in your head. Did you do enough? Did you exhaust every single possibility? Did you turn every page?

"For instance, what would you say?

How would you cross-examine?

What questions would you ask?

How would you know what to object to?

And why?"

You don’t walk unarmed into a battlefield where the only outcome is losing your licence.

After all, it’s the choice between going off the road or driving home.

And everybody wants to drive home.

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The next post explains the difference between the District Court and the Circuit Court in Ireland—and why, when it comes to drink driving, you’re better off where you start