Official form guide
Form 34.12 Search Warrant - Firearms And Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 Section 15
Form 34.12 is a Search Warrant under Section 15 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. It is used by the courts to authorise a search for firearms or offensive weapons.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34.12 Search Warrant - Firearms And Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 Section 15
Form 34.12 is a Search Warrant under Section 15 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. It is used by the courts to authorise a search for firearms or offensive weapons.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving the premises description vague, which can invalidate the warrant.
- 2Incorrect statutory reference
- 3Wrong address or description of premises
- 4Missing officer signatures
- 5Failure to specify the exact items sought
Plain English
If a judge needs to give police permission to look for guns or dangerous weapons, they fill out this form. It tells the court why the search is needed and what will be searched.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be filed and signed before the police commence the search; any delay can render the operation unlawful.
- 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
- Use when seeking a court‑authorised search for firearms or offensive weapons.
- Do not use for general property searches unrelated to weapons.
- If the search relates to explosives, a different statutory form applies.
- When the search is part of a criminal trial, the same form is used but must be linked to the case file.
- For emergency searches without prior notice, a separate urgent warrant form is required.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Emergency search without prior notice
Urgent warrant under Section 16
✓ Verify urgency criteria first
Search for non‑firearm offensive weapons
Covers knives, batons, etc.
✓ Confirm weapon type
Search under the Criminal Justice (Weapons) Act
Different statutory basis
✓ Ensure correct Act cited
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be filed and signed before the police commence the search; any delay can render the operation unlawful.
Before you submit
- 1Premises address is complete and accurate.
- 2Statutory reference (Section 15) is correctly entered.
- 3All authorised officers are named and signed.
- 4Date and judge’s signature are present.
- 5Form is printed clearly or uploaded in PDF format.
- 6Copy retained for police records.
- 7Submitted to the correct court registry.
- 8Confirmation receipt obtained from the registry.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare the draft using the latest Form 34.12 template.
- 2Review details with the presiding judge.
- 3Obtain the judge’s signature and date.
- 4Submit the original to the court registry or upload via e‑Courts.
- 5Collect the registry’s acknowledgment receipt.
- 6Provide a copy to the requesting police unit.
Known limitations
- 1Only applies to firearms and offensive weapons covered by the 1990 Act.
- 2Cannot be used for searches outside the specified premises.
- 3Electronic filing may not be available in all district courts.
- 4Form does not include a section for attached evidence; attach separately.
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 34.12 is currently in force with no recent amendments noted as of 2024. Check the Courts Service website for any updates before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header still shows Section 15, Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
- Confirm the court registry field layout matches the latest e‑Courts template.
- Verify any new signature block for electronic signing.
- Ensure the date format follows the current court standard (DD/MM/YYYY).
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and title taken from user input.
- SRCStatutory reference (Section 15, Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990) inferred from form name.
- SRCCourt filing process based on typical Courts Service of Ireland procedures.
- SRCElectronic filing via e‑Courts assumed from current Courts Service practice.
- SRCSpecific risk and checklist items derived from common sense for search warrants.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact layout of signature blocks and electronic signing options.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: recent amendment status beyond 2024.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Section 15 (firearms) with Section 16 (emergency searches).
Leaving the officer name field blank, assuming police will fill it later.
Using the form for non‑weapon related searches.
Submitting a paper copy when the court requires electronic filing.
Incorrect date format causing the warrant to be rejected.
Failing to attach supporting affidavit when required.
Assuming the same form works for both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland courts.
Source transparency
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