Searched by gard Under 18 with no reason given. What are my rights

Ah, my guess is this pamphlet?

The subtlety here is that under the Offences Against the State Acts, a uniformed or identified Garda must suspect you of committing a crime, but they don't have to tell you what their suspicion is. They should tell you under which law they are stopping and searching you, but Section 30 covers any crime, past or imminent.

They do have to disclose their suspicion is if they send a file to the DPP to prosecute you for that offence, but they do not need to disclose their suspicion if they find evidence of another offence during the search or arrest, even if they ask the DPP to prosecute you.

To refuse a search or to provide your name & address (or providing a false name and address) are themselves offences, and can lead to a criminal conviction.

Garda powers far outstrip those of the Police in the UK and US, whose media form the basis for many peoples' idea of the limits of police authority. To be honest, I think it's best to refrain from making assertions about dealing with Gardaí unless you're 100% certain. Annoy the wrong Garda during a search, and they can - while acting completely within the law - take steps which will result in a conviction and life-long consequences. A conviction under the Offences Against The State Act will severely limit your ability to travel and your employment prospects.

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