Erskine sits on the south bank of the Clyde with the bridge at one end and the M8 at the other, and it has grown considerably as the Dargavel development at Bishopton has filled in. Criminal charges arising here are prosecuted at Paisley. If you are facing one, the practical position is straightforward: the first days after a charge are when the decisions with lasting consequences are taken, and they are far better taken with advice. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients across Renfrewshire from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, fifteen minutes along the M8. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.
Paisley Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Erskine are prosecuted at Paisley Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, St James Street, Paisley PA3 2HW, within the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde. The court has stood on the St James Street site since 1885, with extensions in 1998 and 2011. 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. Paisley carries the criminal work of the whole of Renfrewshire, and its diets are tightly managed as a result.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Erskine
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents around the Bridgewater centre and in licensed premises. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset and fraud, including vehicle-related theft across the newer housing at Erskine and Dargavel. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, including charges following vehicle stops on the bridge and the M8. 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, the A8 and the Erskine Bridge approaches. Bail — applications, reviews and alleged breaches.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Erskine?
Erskine has a long association with the armed forces through the veterans' care based in the town, and we see the consequences of that in practice. Where a client is a serving member of the forces or a veteran, service-related mental health difficulties can be directly relevant both to how a case is defended and to what the court should be told in mitigation — and a conviction can have separate consequences for someone still serving. Those are matters to raise properly and with evidence, not in passing. On the case itself our method is the same as anywhere: obtain the disclosure, test the corroboration, advise on the evidence. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735. Legal Aid Specialists. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Erskine
If Police Scotland detain you in Renfrewshire, you are entitled to a private consultation with a solicitor before any interview takes place. Take that right and answer nothing until you have advice. If you have been released on an undertaking, or a citation has arrived from the Procurator Fiscal requiring you to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as it arrives rather than waiting for the date. Early instruction lets us obtain disclosure, examine the strength of the Crown case, and — where personal circumstances such as service history or health are relevant — gather the material the court will need well before the diet.
Areas Served Across Renfrewshire
We represent clients across Erskine and north Renfrewshire, including Bishopton, Dargavel, Inchinnan, Langbank, Renfrew, Braehead, Paisley, Linwood, Johnstone, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm. Cases regularly arise on the M8, the M898 and A898 Erskine Bridge, the A8 and the A726. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour of the day or night.