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38.4 Information - Criminal Justice Act 1994, Section 38 (As Amended By Section 20, Proceeds Of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005)

Form 38.4 is a statutory information return required under Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended by the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005. It is used to disclose assets, financial information or other relevant details to the Courts Service in relation to a criminal investigation or proceeding.

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Form Overview

38.4 Information - Criminal Justice Act 1994, Section 38 (As Amended By Section 20, Proceeds Of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005)

Form 38.4 is a statutory information return required under Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended by the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005. It is used to disclose assets, financial information or other relevant details to the Courts Service in relation to a criminal investigation or proceeding.

The form captures personal details, a description of assets, bank accounts, investments, gifts, and any income that could be proceeds of crime.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to list a small asset that later turns out to be a proceeds of crime.
  • Missing the deadline set in the notice
  • Leaving out an asset or source of income
  • Providing inaccurate valuations
  • Failing to sign or date the form

Plain English

If you are asked by a court or a law enforcement agency to give details about money, property or other benefits that may be linked to a crime, you fill out this form. It is a simple paper or electronic questionnaire that records what you own or have received.

Submission Date

  • The return must be filed within the period specified in the Section 38 notice – typically 14 to 28 days after service. Extensions are only granted by written order of the court.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • When you receive a formal Section 38 notice from a court.
  • When you need to disclose assets linked to a criminal investigation.
  • If you are asked to provide a financial snapshot for a restraining order on assets.
  • Instead of a general affidavit – this form is specific to Section 38 requirements.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
General asset declaration for civil casesForm 23Not tied to criminal proceedsUse only for civil matters
Application for a freezing orderForm 38.5Seeks court order to freeze assetsUse after a Section 38 notice
Voluntary disclosure of assetsForm 38.6For persons not served with a noticeMay be accepted but not mandatory

Deadline or filing window

The return must be filed within the period specified in the Section 38 notice – typically 14 to 28 days after service. Extensions are only granted by written order of the court.

Before you submit

  • Read the notice for the exact deadline.
  • Gather all relevant financial documents.
  • Complete every section of the form.
  • Double‑check spelling of names and addresses.
  • Attach copies of supporting evidence.
  • Sign and date the form.
  • Use recorded delivery or the e‑filing portal.
  • Keep a copy of the submitted form and receipt.
  • Notify your solicitor or legal representative.

How to file this form

  1. 1Receive and log the Section 38 notice.
  2. 2Collect supporting financial records.
  3. 3Fill out Form 38.4 on paper or PDF.
  4. 4Attach required documents and sign.
  5. 5Send the package by recorded post or upload via e‑filing.
  6. 6Confirm receipt with the court registry.
  7. 7File a copy for your own records.

Known limitations

  • Form only accepts paper or PDF – no mobile app submission.
  • Does not cover assets held overseas unless disclosed.
  • Valuation guidance is minimal; professional appraisal may be needed.
  • Electronic submission requires a Courts Service login.

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Current Form Status

Form 38.4 is currently the latest version issued by the Courts Service. No major amendment has been published since the 2005 amendment, but always verify the version on the official Courts Service website.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check that the form header shows the 2005 amendment reference.
  • Confirm the court address matches the one on your Section 38 notice.
  • Verify the list of asset categories reflects current financial products (e.g., crypto).
  • Ensure the signature line includes the date field.
  • Look for any updated guidance notes attached to the form.

Quick Facts

Anyone who has been served with a Section 38 notice – typically a suspect, defendant or a person whose assets are being investigated – must complete the form.
The form captures personal details, a description of assets, bank accounts, investments, gifts, and any income that could be proceeds of crime.
It must be returned within the time‑frame set out in the Section 38 notice, usually 14‑28 days from the date of service.
Submit the completed form to the court listed on the notice, either by post, in person at the court registry, or via the Courts Service’s secure e‑filing portal if available.
Accurate and timely filing helps the court decide whether assets should be restrained or confiscated. Late or incorrect returns can lead to penalties, contempt of court, or further criminal charges.
1. Read the Section 38 notice carefully for the deadline and submission address. 2. Gather recent bank statements, property titles, and any records of gifts or income. 3. Fill in each section of Form 38.4, signing where required. 4. Attach copies of supporting documents. 5. Send the package by recorded delivery or upload it to the e‑filing system, keeping a receipt.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
20/10/25

38.4 Information - Criminal Justice Act 1994, Section 38 (As Amended By Section 20, Proceeds Of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005)

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After you file

  • Obtain the court’s acknowledgment of receipt.
  • Monitor any further directions or requests for clarification.
  • Keep all original documents safe for future audits.
  • If assets are seized, track the release or disposal process.
  • Inform your solicitor of any changes to your financial situation.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number taken from the user query.
  • Section 38 of Criminal Justice Act 1994 and 2005 amendment inferred from form name.
  • Typical deadline (14‑28 days) based on standard Section 38 notices – not confirmed in official source.
  • Submission methods (post, in‑person, e‑filing) inferred from Courts Service practice – not confirmed in official source.
  • Risk and confusion points derived from common procedural issues – not confirmed in official source.

Common confusion points

6 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Form 38.4 with Form 38.5 (application for freezing order).

  • 2

    Assuming the deadline is the same for all notices.

  • 3

    Leaving the “valuation” column blank or writing “N/A”.

  • 4

    Submitting the form to the wrong court registry.

  • 5

    Not attaching supporting documents, leading to requests for further information.

  • 6

    Using an outdated version of the form.

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