Linlithgow has no sheriff court of its own. The old courthouse on the High Street closed in August 2009 and West Lothian's criminal business moved to the new building at Livingston, so a charge arising in Linlithgow will call there rather than in the town. That surprises people, and it matters practically — it changes where you need to be and when. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients throughout West Lothian from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, a straightforward run along the M8 and M9. We take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0141 345 5735.
Livingston Sheriff Court
Criminal cases arising in Linlithgow are prosecuted at Livingston Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston EH54 6FF, in 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 occupying the first floor. 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.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Linlithgow
Assault — common assault through to assault to severe injury, including incidents on the High Street and in licensed premises. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, reset, fraud and embezzlement; the commuter belt around Linlithgow, Philpstoun and Winchburgh sees a persistent level of housebreaking and vehicle-related theft close to the motorway network. 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, including complaints arising around the Union Canal, the loch and the town's events. Weapons Offences — knives and offensive weapons. Sexual Offences — charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding on the M9, the A803 and the A904. Bail — applications, reviews and alleged breaches.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Linlithgow?
Because the court is in Livingston and not in Linlithgow, the practical side of a case needs handling as carefully as the legal side: getting to a diet, dealing with bail conditions that assume you live near the court, and knowing how the Livingston roll actually runs. We deal with that, and we deal with the evidence properly — obtaining disclosure, testing whether corroboration genuinely exists, and taking a position on the strength of the Crown case rather than on the pressure of the diet. Linlithgow is also a town where a great many people work in regulated or professional employment, and we take the consequences of a conviction into account from the first meeting. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735. Legal Aid Specialists. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Linlithgow
If Police Scotland detain you in West Lothian, 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. 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 you have the paperwork — and read the address on it carefully, because it will not say Linlithgow. Early instruction lets us obtain disclosure, assess what the Crown can prove, and advise you realistically before you are asked to plead.
Areas Served Across West Lothian
We represent clients throughout Linlithgow and West Lothian, including Linlithgow Bridge, Philpstoun, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Uphall, Bathgate, Armadale, Whitburn, Blackburn, Livingston, East Calder, Mid Calder, West Calder, Torphichen, Bridgend and Blackness. Cases regularly arise on the M9, the M8, the A803, the A904, the A706 and the A801. Call 0141 345 5735 at any hour.