Dundee has one of the busiest criminal rolls in Scotland outside the central belt, and its custody court moves quickly. If you have been charged in the city, the useful decisions are made in the first day or two: whether to be interviewed, what to say about bail, and whether the charge on the complaint is one the Crown can actually prove. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients throughout Dundee and Tayside from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL. We take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0141 345 5735, and we would always rather advise you before an interview than pick up the pieces afterwards.
Dundee Sheriff Court
Criminal cases from Dundee are prosecuted at Dundee Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court House, 6 West Bell Street, Dundee DD1 9AD, within the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife. The building, a listed courthouse designed in 1833 and extensively renovated in the 1990s, now handles the court's criminal work — custody appearances, pleas and trials — while civil business other than estate matters has moved to the separate Dundee Civil Justice Hub. Both summary and solemn criminal business is taken here, 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 Dundee
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement, including incidents in the city centre, around the Perth Road bars and in the residential schemes. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs; Dundee has a persistent and well-documented drugs problem and supply charges here are prosecuted hard. Theft and Dishonesty — shoplifting, housebreaking, reset, fraud and embezzlement. Domestic Abuse — charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, with associated bail conditions and non-harassment orders. Public Order — threatening or abusive behaviour under section 38, and offences connected with football and licensed premises. Weapons Offences — knives and offensive weapons. Sexual Offences — charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, including advice at the investigation stage. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the Kingsway and the A90.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Dundee?
Volume is the defining feature of the Dundee criminal roll, and volume is where cases get lost. Complaints are drafted quickly, disclosure arrives late, and it is easy for an accused to be carried along towards a plea nobody has properly examined. We work the other way round: read what the Crown actually has, identify the corroboration problem or the procedural defect if there is one, and advise you on that basis rather than on the shape of the charge. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735 at any hour. Legal Aid Specialists — we accept Legal Aid work and will check your eligibility immediately. Police Station Attendance — we can attend if you are detained by Police Scotland in Dundee. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Dundee
If Police Scotland detain you in Dundee, you are entitled to a private consultation with a solicitor before any interview takes place. Insist on it, and answer no questions until you have taken advice. If you have been released on an undertaking, or a citation has arrived from the Procurator Fiscal requiring you to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court, contact us straight away rather than waiting for the date to come round. Early instruction lets us recover disclosure, examine the strength of the evidence, speak to witnesses while their recollection is fresh, and give you a realistic view of your position before you are asked to plead.
Areas Served Across Dundee and Tayside
We represent clients across Dundee and the surrounding area, including the city centre, the West End, Lochee, Downfield, Menzieshill, Charleston, Fintry, Whitfield, Douglas, Kirkton, Ardler, Broughty Ferry, Barnhill, Monifieth and Invergowrie. Charges frequently arise on the Kingsway, the A90, the A92, the A85 and the approaches to the Tay Road Bridge. Call 0141 345 5735 at any time of the day or night.