Criminal offences

Classification of crimes in criminal cases
The way in which a criminal offence is investigated and prosecuted depends on the type of crime involved. For these purposes criminal offences may be described in different ways.

Public order offences in Ireland
The law on public order offences in Ireland is mainly set down in the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. Find out more about the different types of offences

The law on sexual offences in Ireland
The law in Ireland sets out a range of offences that are considered sexual offences. What are these offences and how did the law in this area change in 2006?

Drug offences
In Ireland the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended by other legislation is the principal legislation that covers drug offences and the respective penalties.

Alcohol and the law
Laws in place in Ireland regarding the serving of alcohol on licensed premises and off-licences, drinking in public and drink driving.

Drink driving offences in Ireland
Drink driving is a very serious offence in Ireland. Find out about the law on drink driving, including random breath testing, powers of the Gardai and procedures if you are arrested.
This document is in: Travel and Recreation > Motoring > Driving offences

Driving offences
Find out about the penalties in place if you are convicted of a driving offence in Ireland.
This document is in: Travel and Recreation > Motoring > Driving offences

The law on fireworks
In 2006 the law in relation to fireworks changed. The Gardaí now have the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. Find out more here.