A motoring prosecution in Selkirk or the wider Borders can carry consequences that reach well beyond a fine. In a region where public transport is sparse and journeys are long, disqualification often means the loss of employment and independence. Charles Ferguson Solicitors are specialist road traffic defence lawyers acting for drivers across Selkirkshire and the Scottish Borders from our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL.
Selkirk Sheriff Court — Road Traffic Cases
Road traffic prosecutions in the Selkirk area are heard at Selkirk Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court House, Ettrick Terrace, Selkirk TD7 4LE, within the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders. Lower-tariff motoring matters are dealt with at the Justice of the Peace Court, while the most serious cases such as causing death by dangerous driving are prosecuted at the High Court of Justiciary. We defend every category of road traffic charge and understand how motoring prosecutions are approached by the local Procurator Fiscal and the sheriffs sitting in Selkirk.
Road Traffic Offences We Defend
Drink Driving and Drug Driving — Scotland's 50mg limit is the lowest in the UK and catches many drivers unaware. We challenge Intoximeter reliability, procedural compliance, and advance the hip flask defence where supported by evidence. Dangerous Driving — a minimum 12-month disqualification and potential custody. We scrutinise dashcam footage, road conditions, and vehicle data. Careless Driving — we assess whether the driving genuinely fell below the standard of a competent driver. Speeding — including mobile and fixed camera evidence on the A7 and A708. We examine calibration certificates and Notice of Intended Prosecution timing, which must be served within 14 days. Totting Up and Exceptional Hardship — at 12 or more points the court must disqualify for at least 6 months unless exceptional hardship is established. Driving Without Insurance — 6 to 8 points or discretionary disqualification. Mobile Phone Offences — 6 points per conviction. Driving While Disqualified — a serious charge with custody implications.
Protecting Rural Livelihoods
Selkirkshire is farming and forestry country. Agricultural workers, hauliers, forestry contractors, tradespeople, and community healthcare staff cover long distances daily and cannot function without a licence, and public transport alternatives are frequently unavailable. Exceptional hardship applications require credible evidence and careful legal argument — they are not granted as a matter of course. We prepare these submissions thoroughly and present them persuasively at court. 24/7 availability on 0141 345 5735. Transparent fees. Legal Aid where applicable.
Areas Served Around Selkirk
We defend motoring charges arising across Selkirkshire and the Borders, including Selkirk, Galashiels, Melrose, Hawick, Innerleithen, Peebles, Clovenfords, Ettrick, and Yarrow. Offences on the A7, A708, A72, and rural roads all fall within our regular practice.