Experienced solicitors representing clients in Scotland's courts — from Justice of the Peace to the High Court of Justiciary.
Court Representation Throughout Scotland
Charles Ferguson Solicitors provide experienced, specialist court representation for clients facing criminal charges and road traffic prosecutions throughout Scotland. From a first appearance on an undertaking at the Justice of the Peace Court to a full jury trial in the High Court of Justiciary, our solicitors are with you at every stage. We appear daily in the Sheriff Courts of South Strathclyde, North Strathclyde, and Glasgow, and instruct senior counsel for the most serious High Court proceedings.
Justice of the Peace Court
The Justice of the Peace Court handles less serious summary criminal matters — minor assaults, road traffic offences, breach of the peace, and other low-tariff charges. Cases are heard by lay justices rather than a sheriff. While sentences are limited, a conviction can still result in a criminal record, penalty points, a driving ban, or a community payback order. Charles Ferguson Solicitors represent clients at JP Courts across our area, including Hamilton, Airdrie, Paisley, and Greenock, ensuring that even lower-level proceedings are defended with full rigour.
Sheriff Court — Summary Proceedings
Summary criminal proceedings in the Sheriff Court are heard by a sheriff sitting alone, without a jury. They cover a wide range of offences — from road traffic matters and drugs possession to assault, domestic abuse charges, and dishonesty offences. The maximum sentence in summary proceedings is 12 months' imprisonment. Our solicitors appear at Sheriff Courts daily and are highly experienced in every aspect of summary procedure: first appearances, intermediate diets, trials, and sentencing hearings. We know the courts, the sheriffs, and the prosecutors — and we use that knowledge to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Sheriff Court — Solemn Proceedings
Solemn proceedings in the Sheriff Court involve a jury of fifteen and are used for more serious offences. The maximum sentence is 5 years' imprisonment, though the sheriff can remit to the High Court for a longer sentence where the offence warrants it. Charles Ferguson Solicitors have extensive experience in solemn procedure — from first appearances and committal hearings through to full jury trials. We work closely with experienced junior and senior counsel in the most complex cases and maintain close involvement throughout to ensure our clients receive coordinated, expert representation at every stage.
High Court of Justiciary
The High Court of Justiciary is Scotland's supreme criminal court and handles the most serious offences — murder, attempted murder, serious drug trafficking, armed robbery, and serious sexual offences. There is no upper limit on sentencing. Our solicitors instruct experienced Queen's Counsel and Senior Counsel for High Court trials and are actively involved throughout the preparation and conduct of each case. We ensure that clients facing High Court proceedings are comprehensively represented and fully informed at every stage of what can be an extremely serious and stressful process.
Appeals
If you have been convicted or sentenced and believe that an error of law has occurred, or that your sentence was excessive, you may have grounds for appeal. The Criminal Appeal Court in Edinburgh deals with appeals from both the Sheriff Court and the High Court. Charles Ferguson Solicitors can review the merits of an appeal, advise you honestly on prospects of success, and prepare and present your case to the Appeal Court. Early advice is essential — strict time limits apply.
Police Station Attendance
Court representation begins well before the courtroom. If you are detained or arrested by Police Scotland, you have the right to a private consultation with a solicitor before any police interview. We provide 24/7 emergency attendance at police stations across our area. The advice we give at this stage — and the decisions made about whether to answer police questions — can have a significant bearing on the outcome of any subsequent prosecution. Call us immediately on 0141 345 5735 (Glasgow) or 01698 285 885 (Hamilton).
