Official form guide
Form 21.4 – Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)
This form is a Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Form 21.4). It is used when a witness fails to show up when they were legally required to attend court based on a summons. This document authorizes the arrest of that specific person.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 21.4 – Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)
This form is a Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Form 21.4). It is used when a witness fails to show up when they were legally required to attend court based on a summons. This document authorizes the arrest of that specific person.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit this without a reference to the original court summons number.
- 2Missing the original Summons Reference Number
- 3Incorrectly identifying the Witness (e.g., wrong name spelling)
- 4Failing to specify which Court/Circuit the summons was issued from
- 5Submitting it too late after court proceedings have moved on
Plain English
If someone was told by the Courts Service to appear in court but never showed up, you use this form. It tells the authorities they can now officially arrest that person. Think of it as the 'official notice' that the witness skipped their date.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The ideal time to file is as soon as the scheduled hearing day ends without the witness appearing. There isn't a set window, but promptness is key.
- 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 a person was summoned to appear in Court.
- It applies only if the witness fails to attend their scheduled hearing or date.
- This document authorizes the police or court officials to physically arrest that specific individual.
- Do not use this form if the witness never received a summons, or if they are voluntarily appearing late.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Witness fails to appear after receiving a Summons
This is the exact document for non-appearance on a summons.
✓ Check that the summons details match.
Person needs to attend court, but no official summons was issued yet
You might need a simpler Witness Attendance Order form.
✓ Verify if a formal summons has been served.
Witness is late for court but shows up later that day
An arrest warrant isn't needed; a warning or order may suffice.
✓ Confirm the specific court rules regarding tardiness.
The witness needs to appear in a different jurisdiction/court
A variation of this form might be required for cross-border warrants.
✓ Check if the issuing court specifies regional requirements.
Deadline or filing window
The ideal time to file is as soon as the scheduled hearing day ends without the witness appearing. There isn't a set window, but promptness is key.
Before you submit
- 1The witness's full name and address are clearly printed.
- 2The specific Court (e.g., District, Circuit) issuing the warrant is stated.
- 3The date of the missed appearance must be accurate.
- 4The original summons details (case number/date) are fully transcribed onto Form 21.4.
- 5A clear signature from an authorised Courts Service official is present.
- 6All required fields related to the warrant's scope (e.g., 'Arrest for...') are filled out.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 21.4 using black ink.
- 2Obtain the necessary signatures from the authorised court official or judge.
- 3File the original form with the relevant Court Registry.
- 4Provide a certified copy to the Garda Síochána (Irish Police) for execution.
- 5Keep a digital and physical copy of the executed warrant for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only authorizes arrest; it does not dictate the charge itself. The underlying court file must specify the offence.
- 2If the witness appears late but provides a valid excuse, the need for this specific warrant may be superseded by a different order.
- 3The validity of the warrant is tied to the date and jurisdiction listed on Form 21.4; it expires if not executed within a set timeframe (Not confirmed in official source).
- 4It does not cover situations where the witness actively evades service, only failure to appear after service.
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 Form 21.4 remains the standard document for issuing an arrest warrant when a witness misses court after receiving a summons. Check the latest Courts Service of Ireland publication for any minor amendments.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the current date stamp on Form 21.4.
- Check if the specific Court Registry reference code has changed.
- Confirm the designated signature fields for the issuing Judge/Registrar are correct.
- Ensure any required accompanying court order numbers match the form's header.
- Review the instruction text regarding 'Non-Appearance On Summons' to ensure it is current.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: Form 21.4
- SRCPurpose confirmed: Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)
- SRCContextual use: Authorises arrest when a summoned witness fails to appear.
- SRCSpecifics on validity period: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCSpecifics on required supporting documents: Not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusing this form (arrest) with a simple 'Notice to Attend' (which just informs them).
Forgetting to link it back to the original summons/case number.
Assuming the warrant is automatically valid across all Irish courts; always check the jurisdiction listed.
Not clearly stating *why* the arrest is warranted (e.g., 'Failure to appear on 15th May 2024').
Using this form when the witness has been absent for a long period and warrants have already passed.
Source transparency
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