Livingston Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Broxburn 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 on 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 disposes of lower-tariff summary complaints. The most serious charges are prosecuted in the High Court of Justiciary.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Broxburn
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents on Broxburn and Uphall main streets and in licensed premises. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs; the M8 corridor is a recognised distribution route and supply charges arising from vehicle stops on it are regularly libelled on indictment. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset and fraud, together with theft of loads, plant and equipment from the distribution and haulage yards along the motorway. 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. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the M8, A89 and A899.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Broxburn?
Charges that begin with a vehicle stop on the M8 deserve particular scrutiny. Whether the stop was lawful, whether the search that followed was properly authorised and carried out, and whether the Crown can actually prove knowledge and control of what was found are all live questions, and they are rarely answered by the summary of evidence on its own. We obtain the disclosure, examine the procedure, and advise on the strength of the case rather than the seriousness of the charge as drafted. For everyday town-centre work the same discipline applies.. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Broxburn
If Police Scotland detain you in West Lothian, you have the right to consult a solicitor in private before any interview begins. Take that advice and answer no questions until you have it — especially where the allegation concerns something found in a vehicle you were driving or travelling in, since a hurried explanation at the roadside can do lasting damage. 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 it arrives so we can obtain disclosure and prepare properly.