Official form guide
Form 34.18 Search Warrant - Criminal Damage Act, 1991 Section 13 (2)
Form 34.18 is a court application for a search warrant under Section 13(2) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. It is used when law enforcement needs authority to search premises or seize evidence related to alleged criminal damage.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34.18 Search Warrant - Criminal Damage Act, 1991 Section 13 (2)
Form 34.18 is a court application for a search warrant under Section 13(2) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. It is used when law enforcement needs authority to search premises or seize evidence related to alleged criminal damage.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving the property address incomplete or inaccurate.
- 2Incorrect address or property description
- 3Missing supporting evidence
- 4Failure to sign or date the declaration
- 5Submitting after the search has already begun
Plain English
If the Gardaí think someone has damaged property and need to look for proof, they fill out this form to ask a judge for a search warrant. The form tells the court why the search is needed and what they expect to find.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be applied for before any search takes place; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but the application should be filed as soon as practicable after the incident.
- 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 you need a search warrant specifically for criminal damage investigations.
- Do not use for burglary, theft or drug‑related searches – other statutes apply.
- Apply when the suspect's location is known and the damage is recent.
- Choose this form instead of a general warrant if you are relying on Section 13(2) of the Criminal Damage Act.
- Use when you have tangible evidence (photos, reports) linking the damage to a person or entity.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Burglary investigation
Different statutory basis
✓ Verify the offence before using
Form 34.14 Search Warrant – Criminal Law (Offences) Act
Drug seizure
Specific drug provisions
✓ Confirm drug‑related suspicion
Form 34.20 Search Warrant – Misuse of Drugs Act
Financial fraud
Money‑laundering focus
✓ Ensure financial records are listed
Form 34.22 Search Warrant – Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be applied for before any search takes place; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but the application should be filed as soon as practicable after the incident.
Before you submit
- 1Correct property address entered
- 2All required supporting documents attached
- 3Form signed and dated by the authorised officer
- 4Statutory reference (Section 13(2)) clearly stated
- 5Clear description of items to be seized
- 6Copy of incident report included
- 7Photographs of damage attached
- 8Witness statements (if any) attached
- 9Correct court registry selected
- 10Receipt or electronic confirmation saved
How to file this form
- 1Prepare supporting evidence (report, photos, statements).
- 2Complete Form 34.18 with accurate details.
- 3Attach all required documents in the order listed on the form.
- 4Sign and date the declaration.
- 5Submit to the District Court registry in person, by post, or via e-File.
- 6Obtain and retain the filing receipt or electronic acknowledgment.
- 7Provide a copy of the approved warrant to the search team.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to criminal damage cases under the 1991 Act.
- 2Does not cover searches for unrelated offences at the same location.
- 3Requires a Garda officer’s authority – private individuals cannot use it.
- 4Electronic filing may not be available in all District Courts.
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 34.18 is currently the approved version for 2024. No recent amendments have been published, but check the Courts Service website for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows 'Form 34.18 – Search Warrant – Criminal Damage Act 1991 Section 13(2)'.
- Check that the signature line includes space for a Garda officer and a presiding judge.
- Verify the list of required attachments matches the current guidance (incident report, photos, witness statements).
- Ensure the court registry address reflects any recent changes to District Court locations.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user input.
- SRCStatutory reference (Criminal Damage Act 1991 Section 13(2)) inferred from form name.
- SRCSubmission methods (in person, post, e-File) based on typical Courts Service practicenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCAttachment requirements (incident report, photos, statements) are standard for search warrantsnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCDeadline guidance inferred from general warrant procedurenot confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Section 13(2) with other sections of the Criminal Damage Act.
Leaving the ‘items to be seized’ field vague or blank.
Submitting to the wrong District Court registry.
Omitting the required incident report attachment.
Using an outdated version of the form.
Failing to include the date of the alleged damage.
Assuming the form can be filed after the search has started.
Source transparency
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