Official form guide
Form 17.4 Application For Issue Of Warrant - Offences Against The State Act, 1939, Section 30(4) (As Substituted By The Offences Against The State (Amendment) Act, 1998)
Form 17.4 is an Application for Issue of Warrant under Section 30(4) of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 (as amended). It is used by the courts when a judge needs to authorise a warrant related to state security offences.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 17.4 Application For Issue Of Warrant - Offences Against The State Act, 1939, Section 30(4) (As Substituted By The Offences Against The State (Amendment) Act, 1998)
Form 17.4 is an Application for Issue of Warrant under Section 30(4) of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 (as amended). It is used by the courts when a judge needs to authorise a warrant related to state security offences.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which stops the warrant from being issued.
- 2Missing the judge’s signature
- 3Incorrect statutory citation
- 4Wrong target name or address
- 5Failure to attach supporting evidence
Plain English
If a judge wants a special arrest or search warrant for a serious state‑related crime, they fill out this form. It tells the court why the warrant is needed and asks for the legal basis under the 1939 Act.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed filing deadline; the form must be submitted before the warrant is to be executed, typically within a few days of the investigative request.
- 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 a warrant is needed under Section 30(4) of the 1939 Act.
- For arrests, searches or seizure linked to state security offences.
- If the court has already authorised a lower‑level warrant and a higher‑level one is required.
- When the applicant is a State prosecutor or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- To document the legal basis and evidence before the warrant is executed.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Standard criminal arrest
Used for ordinary offences, not state security
✓ Verify offence type first
Search of premises (non‑state)
Covers civil or non‑security searches
✓ Check if Section 30(4) applies
Extradition request
Separate process for cross‑border arrests
✓ Not a warrant application
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed filing deadline; the form must be submitted before the warrant is to be executed, typically within a few days of the investigative request.
Before you submit
- 1All parties’ full names and addresses are correct.
- 2Statutory reference is exactly ‘Section 30(4) of the Offences Against the State Act 1939’.
- 3Judge’s signature and date are present.
- 4All supporting affidavits are attached and referenced.
- 5Form is printed on A4 paper, legible, and signed in ink where required.
- 6Copy of the completed form retained for records.
- 7Submission receipt obtained from the court registry.
- 8If filing electronically, confirm successful upload confirmation email.
- 9Check that the correct court registry (District or Central Criminal) is selected.
How to file this form
- 1Collect case file and evidence supporting the warrant request.
- 2Download or obtain the latest Form 17.4.
- 3Complete all fields, attach annexes, and have the judge sign.
- 4Submit the form to the appropriate court registry in person or via the e‑filing portal.
- 5Obtain and file the receipt or electronic confirmation.
- 6Notify the investigating officer that the warrant is authorised.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to offences covered by the 1939 Act; not for ordinary crimes.
- 2Requires a judge’s signature – cannot be completed by a solicitor alone.
- 3Electronic submission may be limited to certain courts.
- 4No provision for electronic signatures; ink signature is required.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 17.4 is currently in force and reflects the amendment made by the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. No recent redesign has been announced.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows the 1998 amendment reference.
- Check that the statutory citation field includes ‘Section 30(4)’.
- Verify the signature block matches the current judge‑approval layout.
- Ensure any annexure numbering follows the latest template.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 21/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user prompt.
- SRCStatutory reference inferred from form name (Section 30(4) Offences Against the State Act 1939).
- SRCSubmission method (court registry or e‑filing) inferred from typical Courts Service practice.
- SRCSignature requirement inferred from standard warrant applications.
- SRCDeadlines inferred as event‑based, not statutory.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact layout of signature block and annexure numbering.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: whether electronic filing is available for this specific form.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 17.4 with Form 17.1 (general arrest warrant).
Leaving the statutory citation blank or using the wrong section number.
Submitting to the wrong court registry (e.g., District Court instead of Central Criminal Court).
Attaching unrelated documents as annexes.
Using a digital signature where a handwritten one is required.
Failing to include the judge’s full title and court seal.
Source transparency
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