Convicted in Absence

evol59

Hi there,
I thought this might make for some interesting legal discussion:

3 yrs ago, I was caught with some cannabis by the gardai at a music festival.I obviously gave them my name,address,dob-but was not arrested nor did they seek any identification from me.
Anyways, I moved house a few months later and didnt think any more of it.
A year ago I had to get Garda clearence from my employer, and it came back saying I was convicted in absence, outcome 300eur fine.
I never recieved any summons to court, surely if I had been given an opportunity to be in court i would have only recieved probation act (ie not a conviction), and perhaps could have challeneged their 'identification' of me (as in anyone could give my name/add/dob?

Do I have a hope of getting this cleared? I am a research student, cant really afford solicitors fees etc....

Tom Young

No, but the thread is now locked.

Your problem is possibly one of admitting the charge, or having total and incontrovertible evidence either before the courts or on the word of a Garda.