Criminal Defence Solicitors

Practice Areas

Defending Criminal Allegations in Scotland

Being accused of a crime is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. Since 2015, PBW Law's criminal law practice has represented individuals and police officers facing criminal allegations across Scotland's courts, from summary complaints to solemn indictments in the High Court. Professor Peter Watson was one of the first solicitors in Scotland to qualify as a Solicitor Advocate, giving clients direct access to advocacy at every level without instructing separate counsel.

We act in road traffic and motoring offences, assault, sexual offences, fraud and white-collar allegations, and offences arising in the course of employment. Where the accused is a serving police officer, we also advise on the misconduct, vetting and pension consequences that can follow.

How the Criminal Process Works

Police interview — if you are detained or interviewed as a suspect, you have the right to a solicitor before and during questioning. This is the single most important stage at which to take advice.
Reporting and charge — the police report the matter to the procurator fiscal, who decides whether to prosecute and in which court.
Summary procedure — less serious cases are heard by a sheriff or justice sitting alone, beginning with a complaint and a first calling at which you state your plea.
Solemn procedure — serious cases begin on petition and proceed on indictment before a sheriff and jury or in the High Court.
Preparation — we review the disclosed evidence, precognosce witnesses, instruct experts where needed and advise on plea and prospects.
Trial and verdict — for trials beginning on or after 1 January 2026, a jury can return only guilty or not guilty, and a conviction requires at least a two-thirds majority.
Sentence and appeal — we make full submissions in mitigation and advise on any appeal against conviction or sentence.

How PBW Law Helps

Because our solicitor advocates can appear in Scotland's highest courts themselves, clients get continuity of advice and representation from the first interview through to trial — without the cost and disconnect of instructing separate counsel partway through a case. Our team has particular depth defending police officers in on- and off-duty matters, working closely with the Scottish Police Federation and individual members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a solicitor with me at a police interview?

Yes. If you are detained or interviewed as a suspect you have the right to a private consultation with a solicitor before questioning and to have a solicitor present during it. We strongly recommend using that right, whatever you have been told about how straightforward the matter is.

What is the difference between summary and solemn procedure?

Summary cases are heard by a sheriff or justice sitting alone and deal with less serious offences. Solemn cases are more serious, begin with a petition and proceed on indictment before a sheriff and jury or in the High Court.

Has the not proven verdict been abolished?

Yes. For criminal trials beginning on or after 1 January 2026, juries can return only guilty or not guilty. A guilty verdict now requires at least a two-thirds majority of the jury. Trials that started before that date continue under the old rules.

Will a conviction affect my job?

It can. For police officers and others in regulated roles, criminal proceedings often run alongside misconduct, vetting or pension consequences. We advise on the whole picture, not just the court case.

If you are facing a criminal allegation or police investigation, call us on 0141 439 1990. Out of hours, call 07802 884830.