West Fife has grown quickly, and Dunfermline's criminal roll has grown with it. What has not changed is how narrow the window is at the start of a case: the choice about being interviewed, the terms of any undertaking, and the first assessment of whether the Crown case actually stands up. Those decisions are usually taken within a day or two of the charge, and they are difficult to revisit. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients throughout west Fife from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, reached by the M9 and M90. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.
Dunfermline Sheriff Court
Criminal cases from Dunfermline and west Fife are prosecuted at Dunfermline Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court House, 1/6 Carnegie Drive, Dunfermline KY12 7HJ, within the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife. The court sits centrally in the city, a short walk from the bus station and Dunfermline City rail station, which matters if you are attending from one of the outlying villages. Both summary and solemn business is taken here, 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 Dunfermline
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents in the city centre, around the High Street and in licensed premises. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, including cases connected to supply into the former west Fife coalfield villages. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset, fraud and embezzlement. Domestic Abuse — charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, together 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 during the investigation stage. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the M90, the A985 and the Forth crossings. Bail — applications, reviews and alleged breaches.
A large share of this district's workforce holds security clearance or works under a vetting regime — the Rosyth dockyard and its supply chain employ thousands locally, and defence-sector employers form their own view of a criminal charge well before a court reaches a verdict. That means the disposal is only half the problem. We advise on both from the outset, and where the evidence allows we press for an outcome that protects your employment as well as your record. On the case itself, our approach is unchanged wherever we appear: recover the disclosure, test the corroboration, and take a position on the evidence rather than the calendar. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735. Legal Aid Specialists. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Dunfermline
If Police Scotland detain you in west Fife, you have the right to consult a solicitor privately before any interview begins. Take that advice first and answer no questions until you have it — this matters particularly if you hold clearance, because the account you give can end up in an employer's disciplinary process as well as the court file. If you have been released on an undertaking, or a citation has arrived from the Procurator Fiscal requiring you to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as you have it. Early instruction lets us obtain disclosure and advise you properly before you are asked to plead.
Areas Served Across West Fife
We represent clients throughout Dunfermline and west Fife, including Rosyth, Inverkeithing, North Queensferry, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Crossgates, Halbeath, Kelty, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Oakley, Saline, Crossford, Cairneyhill, Torryburn, Newmills, High Valleyfield, Culross and Kincardine. Charges frequently arise on the M90, the A907, the A823, the A985 and the Forth crossings. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.