24-hour solicitor advice line: 083 080 6056 (Legal Aid Availble)

Fraud and Theft offences

Fraud and theft offences in Ireland cover a broad range of crimes, ranging from shoplifting to major crimes such as: insurance fraud, handling stolen property, and even forgery/counterfeiting. 

While you might not think these types of offences are treated seriously, you are wrong. The Gardai will pursue investigations into these matters as robustly as any other alleged offence.

If you are the subject of an investigation relating to theft and fraud offences, you need to engage the services of an experienced solicitor immediately.
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Phelim O'Neill, Criminal Defence Solicitor

What to do:

Before speaking to Gardai, you must get legal advice. If you have been contacted by Gardai to give a statement, do the following:

1. Say nothing until you speak with Phelim O'Neill Solicitors.
2. Ring us immediately on our 24-hour number: 083 080 6056.
3. We will explain what is going to happen next, step by step, and we will agree a plan of action.
4. Depending on your circumstances, we will arrange to have in-person consultation (this may be at the Garda station)

Types of Fraud and Theft Offences in Ireland

Theft and Related Offences

• Teft.
• Exceptions to theft.
• Making gain or causing loss by deception.
• Obtaining services by deception.
• Making off without payment.
• Unlawful use of computer.
• False accounting.
• Suppression, etc., of documents.
• Burglary.
• Aggravated burglary.
• Robbery.
• Possession of certain articles.

Handling, ETC. Stolen Property and other Proceeds of Crime​

• Handling stolen property.
• Possession of stolen property.
• Withholding information regarding stolen property.
• Scope of offences relating to stolen property.
• Amendment of section 31 of Criminal Justice Act, 1994.
• Amendment of section 56A of Criminal Justice Act, 1994.
• Amendment of Criminal Justice Act, 1994.

Forgery​

• Forgery.
• Using false instrument.
• Copying false instrument.
• Using copy of false instrument.
• Custody or control of certain false instruments, etc.
• Meaning of “false” and “making”.
• Meaning of “prejudice” and “induce”.

Counterfeiting

• Counterfeiting currency notes and coins.
• Passing, etc. counterfeit currency notes or coins.
• Custody or control of counterfeit currency notes and coins.
• Materials and implements for counterfeiting.
• Import and export of counterfeits.
• Certain offences committed outside the State.
• Measures to detect counterfeiting.

Phelim O'Neill Solicitors have a proven track record in advising and defending clients accused of fraud and theft offences, in the District Court, Circuit Court, and Court of Criminal Appeal. The best way to optimise the chances of successfully defending fraud and theft related cases is for the accused to be advised by a solicitor from the out-set, prior to giving any statement to Gardai.
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