Official form guide
Form 22.2 – Warrant For Arrest Of Accused (Non-Appearance On Summons Or About To Abscond)
This is Form 22.2 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used when a person who was supposed to appear in court does not show up after being summoned. You use it if that accused person seems likely to disappear or 'abscond'.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 22.2 – Warrant For Arrest Of Accused (Non-Appearance On Summons Or About To Abscond)
This is Form 22.2 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used when a person who was supposed to appear in court does not show up after being summoned. You use it if that accused person seems likely to disappear or 'abscond'.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Double-check the spelling of the accused's name against their official documentation.
- 2Incorrectly stating the reason for arrest (e.g., saying 'absconding' when they just forgot).
- 3Omitting the original case number from the summons.
- 4Providing outdated contact details for the accused person.
- 5Failing to initial or date the form correctly by the submitting party.
Plain English
Think of this as an official request to the courts saying, 'This person promised to come to court but hasn't shown up.' It essentially asks the court to issue a warrant to bring that individual in.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no strict filing deadline listed on the form itself, but it must be submitted as soon as the non-appearance becomes known or suspected.
- 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 when someone was officially summoned to appear in the Courts Service of Ireland.
- Select this form if the accused person has failed to appear on that summons.
- This form is necessary if there is a reasonable belief the accused intends to disappear ('abscond').
- It signals to the Gardaí (police) that an arrest warrant must be issued.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Failed to Appear
Used when they miss court and might run away.
✓ Check if they just missed it or are actively hiding.
Scheduled Appearance
If the person is simply due to appear, this form starts the process.
✓ Ensure the summons date/time matches the hearing schedule.
Warrant for Summons (General)
This specific version handles non-appearance or absconding; use it when those issues are present.
✓ Confirm the warrant is specifically needed because of a failure to appear, not just a general charge.
Bail Application Related
If seeking bail but they missed their date, this form supports the request.
✓ Verify if the arrest warrant is for the initial charge or related proceedings.
Deadline or filing window
There is no strict filing deadline listed on the form itself, but it must be submitted as soon as the non-appearance becomes known or suspected.
Before you submit
- 1All sections requiring input must be filled out in black ink.
- 2The signature of the issuing judicial officer must be present and legible.
- 3The date the warrant was issued must be correctly recorded.
- 4Ensure there is a clear indication of *why* the arrest is required (the specific reason).
- 5If applicable, attach evidence supporting the belief that the accused will abscond.
- 6Double-check the case reference number against the court file.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 22.2 thoroughly.
- 2Have the document signed by the relevant judicial officer or clerk.
- 3Submit the signed form to the designated Court office handling the matter.
- 4Retain a copy for your own case file immediately after submission.
- 5Ensure the court stamps your submitted copy with a receipt date/number.
Known limitations
- 1This form itself does not guarantee an arrest; it only requests one.
- 2The validity period of the warrant is dependent on the Court's directive, which may not be stated on Form 22.2.
- 3It does not specify *where* the accused must be arrested, just that they should be.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: There might be specific local court variations to how this form is processed.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 22.2 is the standard document for issuing an arrest warrant when a defendant misses court or seems likely to leave.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the current date/revision number printed on the top of Form 22.2.
- Verify that the specific court (e.g., District Court, Circuit Court) issuing the warrant matches your case.
- Confirm the name and details of the accused match the summons exactly.
- Ensure the reason for arrest (Non-Appearance vs. About to Abscond) is clearly ticked/stated.
- Review any updated instructions regarding required supporting documentation.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: Form 22.2
- SRCPurpose: Warrant For Arrest Of Accused
- SRCContext: Used when accused fails to appear on summons or is likely to abscond.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific jurisdiction requirements for use.
Common confusion points
Confusing it with a simple summons: A summon requires appearance; 22.2 implies failure to appear or risk of leaving.
Not knowing whether to tick 'Non-Appearance' or 'About To Abscond': If they missed the date, use Non-Appearance first, unless you have strong evidence they are actively hiding elsewhere.
Forgetting to link it to a specific case number: The warrant is useless without knowing which charge it relates to.
Assuming filing means immediate arrest: The police must still act on the warrant after receiving Form 22.2.
Source transparency
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