A criminal charge in Aberdeen can carry consequences well beyond the court. In a city where a great many people hold offshore certification, security clearance or a professional licence, a conviction — sometimes even a pending charge — can end a career independently of any sentence the sheriff imposes. That makes the early strategy decisions unusually important. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients across Aberdeen and the North East from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, and we are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0141 345 5735 for police station attendance, custody appearances and urgent advice.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Aberdeen are prosecuted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Castle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1WP, in the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands. The granite courthouse, built between 1868 and 1874, contains seven courtrooms and serves as the administrative centre for the other Aberdeen court locations. Both summary and solemn criminal business is taken here, with jury trials on indictment before a sheriff, and the Justice of the Peace Court dealing with lower-tariff summary complaints. The most serious charges in the North East are prosecuted in the High Court of Justiciary.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Aberdeen
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents around the Union Street and Belmont Street night-time economy. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, including cases connected to supply routes into the North East and to the harbour. Fraud, Embezzlement and Dishonesty — expenses, procurement and accounting allegations arising in the energy and contracting sectors, alongside theft, housebreaking and reset. Domestic Abuse — charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, bail conditions and non-harassment orders. Public Order — threatening or abusive behaviour under section 38. Weapons Offences — knives and offensive weapons, and firearms and shotgun certificate matters arising in rural Aberdeenshire. Sexual Offences — charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, including advice during the investigation stage. Rural and Agricultural Crime — theft of plant, quads and machinery from farms across the North East. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the A90, A96 and A944.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen throws up a particular problem: the collateral consequence often matters more to the client than the sentence. Offshore operators, contractors and regulated employers take their own view of a conviction, and a disposal that looks lenient in court can still cost you your certification or your job. We factor that in from the outset, and where the evidence allows we push for outcomes that protect your position rather than simply closing the case quickly. Our solicitors travel to courts throughout Scotland and prepare North East cases to the same standard as serious central belt work. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735 at any hour. Legal Aid Specialists — we accept Legal Aid work and will assess eligibility straight away. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Aberdeen
If Police Scotland detain you anywhere in the North East, you have the right to a private consultation with a solicitor before any interview. Take it, and say nothing until you have. This matters especially if you work offshore or under any form of vetting, because an account given without advice can follow you into an employer's own disciplinary process. If you have been released on an undertaking or have received a citation from the Procurator Fiscal to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as it arrives — particularly if your work rotation will clash with the court date, which is something we can address in advance rather than on the day.
Areas Served Across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
We represent clients throughout Aberdeen and the surrounding district, including the city centre, Torry, Kincorth, Cove Bay, Mannofield, Cults, Bieldside, Peterculter, Milltimber, Dyce, Bucksburn, Bridge of Don, Danestone, Northfield and Mastrick, together with Westhill, Portlethen, Banchory, Inverurie and Ellon. Cases regularly arise on the A90, the A96, the A93, the A944, the A947 and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.