Official form guide
Form 17.12B Warrant To Arrest - Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, Section 4(1) (As Substituted By The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, Section 22)
Form 17.12B is a Warrant to Arrest under the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, as amended in 2009. It is used by a court or authorised officer to authorise the arrest of a person suspected of drug‑trafficking offences.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 17.12B Warrant To Arrest - Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, Section 4(1) (As Substituted By The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, Section 22)
Form 17.12B is a Warrant to Arrest under the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, as amended in 2009. It is used by a court or authorised officer to authorise the arrest of a person suspected of drug‑trafficking offences.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which invalidates the warrant.
- 2Incorrect name or address of the suspect
- 3Wrong statutory citation
- 4Missing judge’s signature
- 5Submitting to the wrong court
Plain English
Think of this as the official paper that lets police take someone into custody for a drug‑trafficking charge. A judge signs it, and it tells the police exactly who can be arrested and why. It only applies to serious drug‑related crimes covered by the 1996 Act.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be issued before the police act; there is no fixed calendar deadline but it should be completed as soon as the court orders arrest.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you need a court‑authorised arrest for a drug‑trafficking offence.
- If the suspect is not in custody and police need legal authority to detain them.
- When the offence falls under the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
- Instead of a standard arrest warrant for non‑drug crimes.
- When the court has expressly ordered arrest under Section 4(1).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Suspect already in custody
Used to extend detention, not to arrest
✓ Verify current custody status first
Non‑drug serious offence
Covers other crimes
✓ Check the offence legislation
Standard Arrest Warrant (Form 17.12)
Emergency arrest without court order
No court involvement needed
✓ Use only in urgent, life‑threatening situations
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be issued before the police act; there is no fixed calendar deadline but it should be completed as soon as the court orders arrest.
Before you submit
- 1Full legal name and address of the suspect entered correctly.
- 2Exact offence description and statutory citation included.
- 3Judge’s signature and date present.
- 4Correct court name and docket number filled in.
- 5Copy prepared for the Gardaí.
- 6Original retained in the court file.
- 7Form signed on the correct paper size (A4).
- 8No stray marks or alterations.
How to file this form
- 1Complete the suspect and offence details on the form.
- 2Present the draft to the judge for review.
- 3Obtain the judge’s signature and date.
- 4Submit the original to the court clerk for filing.
- 5Send a certified copy to the Gardaí via the Courts Service portal or post.
- 6Record the warrant number and filing date in the case file.
Known limitations
- 1Only applies to offences under the 1996 Drug Trafficking Act.
- 2Cannot be used for summary offences or minor drug possession.
- 3Requires a judge’s authority; police cannot issue it themselves.
- 4Electronic submission may be limited to courts with portal access.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form is current as of the 2009 amendment; no further changes have been published publicly.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the statutory reference reflects the 2009 amendment.
- Check that the judge’s printed name and signature block match the latest court format.
- Verify the court name and address are up‑to‑date.
- Ensure any new electronic submission requirements from the Courts Service portal are met.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 21/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user input.
- SRCAgency identified as Courts Service of Ireland.
- SRCStatutory references inferred from the Act name.
- SRCSubmission method based on typical Courts Service practice.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: electronic portal details.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline timing.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 17.12B with the generic arrest warrant (Form 17.12).
Leaving the statutory amendment reference blank.
Assuming a police officer can sign the warrant.
Submitting the form to the wrong district court.
Using an outdated paper template.
Failing to send a copy to the Gardaí promptly.
Believing the warrant can be used for non‑drug crimes.
Source transparency
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