Perth Sheriff Court draws its business from an unusually large district, stretching from the city itself out through Highland Perthshire and Kinross-shire. That means a charge here can involve long distances, delayed reporting and evidence gathered across scattered locations — all of which reward early, organised preparation. Charles Ferguson Solicitors act for clients throughout Perth and Perthshire from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, reached by the M80 and M9. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for police station attendance, custody appearances and urgent advice, and the sooner we are instructed the more we can do.
Perth Sheriff Court
Criminal cases from Perth and the surrounding district are prosecuted at Perth Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court House, Tay Street, Perth PH2 8NL — a listed building on the bank of the Tay designed by Sir Robert Smirke and completed in 1819. The court sits within the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife and takes both summary business and solemn cases prosecuted on indictment before a jury. The Justice of the Peace Court sitting at the same address deals with lower-tariff summary complaints. Because Perth serves so wide a rural catchment, its criminal roll mixes city-centre business with cases from across the county.
Criminal Offences We Defend in Perth
Assault — from common assault to assault to severe injury, including incidents in Perth city centre and licensed premises. Rural and Agricultural Crime — theft of quad bikes, tractors, plant, tools and livestock from farms and estates across Perthshire, together with related reset charges. Wildlife and Poaching Offences — charges arising on sporting estates and farmland. Drug Offences — possession, supply and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. Theft and Dishonesty — housebreaking, shoplifting, fraud and embezzlement. Domestic Abuse — charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, bail conditions and non-harassment orders. Public Order — threatening or abusive behaviour under section 38. Weapons Offences — knives and offensive weapons, and firearms and shotgun certificate matters. Sexual Offences — charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. Road Traffic Offences — drink driving, dangerous driving and speeding, particularly on the A9 and A90.
Why Choose Charles Ferguson Solicitors in Perth?
A rural district throws up defences that a purely urban practice can miss. Identification is often weaker where there are no cameras and few witnesses, the chain of evidence over long distances is more easily challenged, and delay between incident and charge is common. We look for those points rather than assuming the Crown case is sound. Our solicitors prepare Perth cases with the same thoroughness applied to serious High Court work, whether the charge is a summary complaint or an indictment. 24/7 Availability — call 0141 345 5735 at any hour. Legal Aid Specialists — we accept Legal Aid work and will assess your eligibility straight away. Police Station Attendance. Free Initial Consultation.
What to Do If You Are Charged in Perth
If Police Scotland detain you anywhere in Perthshire, you have the right to consult a solicitor privately before any interview begins. Take that advice first and decline to answer questions until you have it — what is said in interview is very difficult to undo later. If you have been released on an undertaking or have received a citation from the Procurator Fiscal to appear at Perth Sheriff Court, contact us as soon as it arrives. Instructing early allows us to obtain disclosure, identify weaknesses in the Crown case, trace and precognosce witnesses while memories are fresh, and advise you properly on plea before your first appearance.
Areas Served Across Perthshire and Kinross-shire
We represent clients throughout Perth and Kinross, including Perth, Scone, Bridge of Earn, Abernethy, Errol, Methven, Almondbank, Crieff, Comrie, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus, Dunkeld, Birnam, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kinross and Milnathort. Cases regularly arise on the A9, the A90, the M90, the A85, the A93 and the A94. Wherever in the county the charge comes from, call 0141 345 5735.