Bathgate is one of the largest towns in West Lothian, and criminal charges arising here are prosecuted a few miles away at Livingston. The court is busy, the roll moves, and an accused who arrives without a solicitor who has read the papers is at a straightforward disadvantage. That is worth acting on early rather than on the morning of the diet. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients throughout West Lothian from our Hamilton office at 1 Barrack Street, Hamilton ML3 0DG. Call 01698 285 885, or our Glasgow office on 0141 345 5735 — both answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Livingston Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Bathgate are prosecuted at Livingston Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston EH54 6FF, within the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders. The Civic Centre opened in 2009 and houses the courts alongside West Lothian Council, the social work department and Livingston Police Station, with the sheriff court occupying the first floor. Both summary and solemn business is taken, with jury trials on indictment before a sheriff, and the Justice of the Peace Court deals with lower-tariff summary complaints. The most serious charges are prosecuted in the High Court of Justiciary.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Bathgate
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents on George Street, in the town centre and in licensed premises. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs; supply through the former shale and coalfield villages south of the town is heavily policed and these charges regularly proceed on indictment. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset, fraud and embezzlement, together with theft from the retail and distribution sites around the town. Domestic Abuse — charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, with bail conditions and non-harassment orders. Public Order — threatening or abusive behaviour under section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. Weapons Offences — knives and offensive weapons. Sexual Offences — charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, including advice from the investigation stage. Prison-Related Matters — with HMP Addiewell in the district, we also advise on recall, licence conditions and charges arising in custody. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the M8, A89 and A706.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Bathgate?
Our Hamilton office at 1 Barrack Street is well placed for West Lothian work, and cases at Livingston are part of our ordinary practice rather than an occasional trip. In a court of that size the useful advantages are unglamorous ones: getting disclosure early, understanding how the roll runs, and dealing with bail conditions and diet dates that would otherwise cause real problems for someone working shifts. On the evidence we take the same approach we would anywhere — establish what the Crown can genuinely prove, check the procedure, and advise honestly rather than optimistically. 24/7 Availability — call 01698 285 885 or 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 Bathgate
If Police Scotland detain you in West Lothian, you are entitled to a private consultation with a solicitor before any interview begins. Take that right and answer no questions until you have advice — an account given in interview cannot be withdrawn later. If you have been released on an undertaking, or a citation has arrived from the Procurator Fiscal requiring you to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as the paperwork arrives. Early instruction allows us to recover disclosure, examine the strength of the Crown case, speak to witnesses while recollections are fresh, and give you a realistic view before you are asked to plead.
Areas Served Across West Lothian
We represent clients throughout Bathgate and West Lothian, including Armadale, Whitburn, Blackburn, Boghall, Blackridge, Westfield, Torphichen, Fauldhouse, Longridge, Stoneyburn, Addiewell, West Calder, Livingston, Broxburn, Uphall and Linlithgow. Cases regularly arise on the M8, the A89, the A706, the A801 and the A7066. Call 01698 285 885 or 0141 345 5735 at any hour of the day or night.