A charge arising in Irvine is prosecuted at Kilmarnock, which takes the criminal business of both North and East Ayrshire and is correspondingly busy. What that means in practice is that nobody in the system has time to look closely at your case unless someone is instructed to do it. Getting a solicitor involved before the first calling — rather than on the morning of it — is the single most useful thing you can do. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients across Ayrshire from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, reached from Irvine by the A736 and M77. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Irvine are prosecuted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court House, St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock KA1 1ED, within the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde. The building opened to the public in December 1986 and has housed the Justice of the Peace Court alongside the Sheriff Court since 2010. Both summary and solemn business is taken here, 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. Note that your citation will name Kilmarnock, not Irvine.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Irvine
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement, including incidents in the town centre, the Rivergate area and in licensed premises. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs; the Ayrshire coast towns have a long-standing and heavily policed supply problem, and these charges frequently come before the court on indictment. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset and fraud, including theft from the industrial estates and the harbourside. 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 at the investigation stage. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the A78, A71 and A736. Bail — applications, reviews and alleged breaches.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Irvine?
Kilmarnock carries two council areas' worth of criminal work, and a case from Irvine is one of many on the roll. That is exactly why preparation counts. We obtain the disclosure early, establish what the Crown can genuinely corroborate, examine whether search and detention procedure was properly followed — a recurring issue in drugs cases — and advise on plea from that position rather than from the pressure of the diet. Where a charge would affect employment at one of the area's chemical, pharmaceutical or manufacturing sites, we take that into account from the outset. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735 at any hour. Legal Aid Specialists — we accept Legal Aid work and will assess your eligibility immediately. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Irvine
If Police Scotland detain you anywhere in Ayrshire, you are entitled to a private consultation with a solicitor before any interview takes place. Use that right and answer nothing 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 Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as you have the paperwork. Early instruction lets us recover disclosure, test the strength of the Crown case, speak to witnesses while their recollection is fresh, and give you a realistic view of your position well before you are asked to plead.
Areas Served Across North Ayrshire
We represent clients throughout Irvine and North Ayrshire, including Kilwinning, Dreghorn, Springside, Girdle Toll, Bourtreehill, Broomlands, Castlepark, Perceton, Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan, West Kilbride, Dalry, Kilbirnie, Beith and Largs. Cases regularly arise on the A78, the A71, the A736, the A737 and the A759. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour of the day or night.