31.1B Notice Of Appeal Against A Determination - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 83(9)

What this form is for

• • Use when appealing a forensic evidence or DNA database determination under section 83(9).
• • Do not use for general criminal convictions – those require a different appeal form.
• • If you are appealing a decision about DNA sample retention, this is the correct form.
• • When the determination relates to a forensic test order, use Form 31.1B rather than a standard criminal appeal form.
• • If you need to appeal a decision made by the Forensic Science Laboratory, this form applies.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

The notice must be filed within 28 days of receiving the determination notice, unless the court has granted an extension in writing.

Before you submit

• • Downloaded the latest Form 31.1B from courts.ie.
• • Entered the correct case reference number.
• • Listed all grounds of appeal clearly.
• • Attached all supporting documents (e.g., expert reports, medical evidence).
• • Signed and dated the form.
• • Made a copy for your records.
• • Chosen the correct submission method (post or e‑filing).
• • Used recorded delivery or confirmed upload receipt.
• • Checked the filing deadline has not passed.

How to file this form

1. 1Download the form from the Courts Service website.
2. 2Complete personal details and case reference.
3. 3Write each ground of appeal and attach evidence.
4. 4Sign, date, and keep a copy.
5. 5Send the original by recorded post to the Central Appeals Office or upload via the e‑filing portal.
6. 6Obtain a filing receipt or postal proof.
7. 7Monitor for acknowledgment from the court.

Known limitations

• • Form does not accept electronic signatures unless using the e‑filing portal.
• • Only accepts PDF uploads up to 5 MB per document.
• • Cannot be used for appeals against sentencing decisions.
• • No provision for multilingual translations – must be completed in English.