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 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
- Do not submit this without a reference to the original court summons number.
- Missing the original Summons Reference Number
- Incorrectly identifying the Witness (e.g., wrong name spelling)
- Failing to specify which Court/Circuit the summons was issued from
- Submitting 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
- 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.
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.
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witness fails to appear after receiving a Summons | Form 21.4 | 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 | Not confirmed in official source | 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 | Form 21.4 (or related notice) | 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 | Not confirmed in official source | 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
- • The witness's full name and address are clearly printed.
- • The specific Court (e.g., District, Circuit) issuing the warrant is stated.
- • The date of the missed appearance must be accurate.
- • The original summons details (case number/date) are fully transcribed onto Form 21.4.
- • A clear signature from an authorised Courts Service official is present.
- • All 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
- • This form only authorizes arrest; it does not dictate the charge itself. The underlying court file must specify the offence.
- • If the witness appears late but provides a valid excuse, the need for this specific warrant may be superseded by a different order.
- • The 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).
- • It does not cover situations where the witness actively evades service, only failure to appear after service.
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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.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
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
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- District Court Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 18/10/25
Downloads
Form 21.4 – Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)
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After you file
- • Track when the Gardaí have physically arrested and taken custody of the witness.
- • Note the date and time the warrant was executed against the individual.
- • Update your case file with a copy of the executed Form 21.4.
- • Monitor court proceedings to confirm the next scheduled appearance date.
Source and verification log
- • Issued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- • Form Number: Form 21.4
- • Purpose confirmed: Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)
- • Contextual use: Authorises arrest when a summoned witness fails to appear.
- • Specifics on validity period: Not confirmed in official source
- • Specifics on required supporting documents: Not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
5 things to watch for
- 1
Confusing this form (arrest) with a simple 'Notice to Attend' (which just informs them).
- 2
Forgetting to link it back to the original summons/case number.
- 3
Assuming the warrant is automatically valid across all Irish courts; always check the jurisdiction listed.
- 4
Not clearly stating *why* the arrest is warranted (e.g., 'Failure to appear on 15th May 2024').
- 5
Using this form when the witness has been absent for a long period and warrants have already passed.
Related Guides & Resources
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