Official form guide
Form 20.4 – Committal Warrant (Accused Awaiting Trial) - Bail Act 1997, Section 9 (as amended by Criminal Justice Act 2007, section 15)
This form is a Committal Warrant used when an accused person is waiting for trial under the Bail Act 1997. Specifically, it relates to Section 9 of that Act, as updated by the Criminal Justice Act 2007 (section 15).
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 20.4 – Committal Warrant (Accused Awaiting Trial) - Bail Act 1997, Section 9 (as amended by Criminal Justice Act 2007, section 15)
This form is a Committal Warrant used when an accused person is waiting for trial under the Bail Act 1997. Specifically, it relates to Section 9 of that Act, as updated by the Criminal Justice Act 2007 (section 15).
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Double-check that the specific sections cited match the court order issued.
- 2Incorrectly citing the amending legislation (e.g., forgetting the Criminal Justice Act 2007 reference).
- 3Failing to specify if the warrant relates to bail conditions or general detention.
- 4Using an outdated version of Form 20.4.
- 5Missing the specific details of the accused person's case file number.
Plain English
Think of this form as official paperwork confirming someone must stay in custody while their case is being heard in court. It signals that the person has been formally committed to awaiting trial.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The timing is event-based; this form must be filed promptly after the decision to commit the accused person has been made by the court.
- 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 this form specifically when an accused person must await trial.
- It applies to situations covered by Section 9 of the Bail Act 1997.
- The form reflects amendments made under the Criminal Justice Act 2007, section 15.
- Do not use this if the case does not fall under these specific sections or circumstances.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bail Application (General)
Use this if the situation doesn't strictly meet Section 9 criteria of the Bail Act 1997
✓ Check form title/section reference.
Arrest Report Summary
If you are documenting the initial arrest leading to the warrant, check if a separate report is needed
✓ Verify required accompanying documents.
Bail Hearing Notice
Use this when notifying parties about the hearing date itself, rather than issuing the warrant
✓ Confirm if the notice references Form 20.4.
Charge Sheet Filing
If you are filing the initial charges before the committal process begins
✓ Ensure the charge sheet details match the accused person's particulars on this form.
Deadline or filing window
The timing is event-based; this form must be filed promptly after the decision to commit the accused person has been made by the court.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure the full name and address of the accused person are legible and correct.
- 2Verify the specific section of the Bail Act 1997 being invoked (Section 9).
- 3Confirm the presiding judicial officer's signature is present.
- 4Check that all required statutory grounds for the Committal Warrant are clearly stated.
- 5If submitting digitally, ensure all mandatory fields have been populated.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 20.4 thoroughly using black ink (or digital equivalent).
- 2Attach supporting documentation proving the necessity for the warrant (e.g., charge sheet copy).
- 3Sign and date the form where indicated by the Courts Service.
- 4Submit the completed form to the relevant Court office or via the designated online portal.
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted Form 20.4 for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only deals with warrants when an accused is *awaiting trial*; it doesn't cover pre-charge detention necessarily.
- 2The specific procedural requirements depend on which Circuit Court or District Court handles the case (not confirmed in official source).
- 3It does not guarantee bail will be granted; it merely authorises the committal process while awaiting a decision.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The exact required accompanying documentation list can vary by jurisdiction within Ireland.
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->This is Form 20.4. It remains the standard document for issuing a Committal Warrant when someone is awaiting trial under specific provisions of the Bail Act 1997.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the specific amendment reference to the Criminal Justice Act 2007, section 15 is present.
- Check for any updates related to electronic filing requirements from the Courts Service of Ireland.
- Confirm the current date/year listed on the form template matches the application date.
- Look for changes in required signatory boxes or official seals.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm Number: Form 20.4
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCPrimary Legislation: Bail Act 1997
- SRCRelevant Amendment: Criminal Justice Act 2007, section 15
- SRCPurpose: Committal Warrant for Accused Awaiting Trial
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific court processing deadlines.
Common confusion points
Confusing this form (Committal Warrant) with a simple Bail Application (which asks for release).
Not knowing whether the warrant relates to a specific charge or general detention under Section 9.
Mistaking the amendment source: confusing the Bail Act 1997 with the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
Forgetting that this form is only valid once signed by the authorised judicial officer.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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