Official form guide
Form 31.13 Warrant Authorising Detention Of A Protected Person For A Further Period Not Exceeding 4 Hours For The Purpose Of Having An Intimate Sample Taken From Protected Person;Criminal Justice(Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System)Act 2014,Section 16(7)
Form 31.13 is a warrant that authorises the detention of a protected person for up to four additional hours so a forensic intimate sample can be taken. It is used under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 16(7).
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 31.13 Warrant Authorising Detention Of A Protected Person For A Further Period Not Exceeding 4 Hours For The Purpose Of Having An Intimate Sample Taken From Protected Person;Criminal Justice(Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System)Act 2014,Section 16(7)
Form 31.13 is a warrant that authorises the detention of a protected person for up to four additional hours so a forensic intimate sample can be taken. It is used under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 16(7).
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the form before the extra detention begins.
- 2Exceeding the four‑hour limit
- 3Missing the protected person's full custodial details
- 4Incorrect sample type listed
- 5Failing to obtain the judge’s signature before detention starts
Plain English
If a person who is already in police custody needs another short period of detention to have a DNA or other intimate sample taken, a judge must sign this form. The form gives police legal authority to keep the person for no more than four extra hours for that purpose.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be signed and the detention started within a reasonable time after the request – typically within the same shift – and cannot extend beyond four hours from the time of signing.
- 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 protected person already in custody needs an intimate forensic sample.
- When the required detention period will not exceed four hours.
- When a judge’s authorisation is required under Section 16(7) of the 2014 Act.
- Instead of a standard arrest warrant, which does not cover additional sampling time.
- When the police request is documented and a magistrate is available to sign.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial DNA sample at arrest
Covers first‑time sampling at arrest
✓ Use only if no prior sample taken
Detention beyond four hours
Authorises longer detention for complex procedures
✓ Must justify extended time
Non‑protected person sample
For ordinary suspects not classified as protected
✓ Different legal basis
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be signed and the detention started within a reasonable time after the request – typically within the same shift – and cannot extend beyond four hours from the time of signing.
Before you submit
- 1Protected person’s full name and custodial reference entered
- 2Exact type of intimate sample specified
- 3Start time and four‑hour end time clearly written
- 4Police officer’s request signature obtained
- 5Judge or magistrate’s signature and date present
- 6Form printed on official court stationery or uploaded via e‑filing
- 7Copy given to the police officer in charge
- 8Original lodged with the correct District Court registry
How to file this form
- 1Collect all required details from the custody log.
- 2Complete the form on paper or in the e‑filing system.
- 3Have the requesting police officer sign the request section.
- 4Present the form to the judge or magistrate for signature.
- 5Provide a signed copy to the police officer.
- 6File the original with the District Court registry or upload electronically.
Known limitations
- 1Only valid for protected persons as defined by the 2014 Act.
- 2Cannot be used to extend detention beyond four hours.
- 3Requires a judicial officer’s signature; not a police‑only document.
- 4Not applicable for non‑intimate forensic samples.
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 31.13 is currently active and unchanged since the 2014 Act amendment. No recent revisions have been published.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form header still shows ‘Form 31.13 – Warrant Authorising Detention…’
- Check that the four‑hour time‑limit field is present and unaltered
- Confirm the judge’s signature block matches the latest template
- Ensure the police request section includes the new forensic sample codes introduced in 2022
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and title taken from user input.
- SRCAct reference (Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 16(7)) inferred from title.
- SRCJudicial signature requirement inferred from typical warrant practice.
- SRCFour‑hour limit directly stated in form title.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact layout of signature blocks and e‑filing availability.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific court registry locations for filing.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 31.13 with the standard arrest warrant (Form 31.01).
Assuming the four‑hour limit can be split over multiple periods.
Leaving the start time blank, which invalidates the timing calculation.
Using the form for a non‑protected suspect.
Submitting the form after the detention has already begun.
Failing to give the police officer a copy of the signed warrant.
Source transparency
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