Latest updates

The Scottish Legal Aid Board has updated the financial eligibility thresholds for Advice and Assistance and Criminal Legal Aid. The changes, effective from April 2026, increase the income and capital limits, meaning more people will qualify for public funding. We advise all clients to check their eligibility even if they have previously been refused.

Drug driving offences in Scotland are prosecuted under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The limits for controlled drugs are set in legislation and are often lower than the levels at which impairment would be obvious. We explain the law, the testing procedure, and the defences that may be available.

If you are detained under Section 14 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, you have the right to have a solicitor present before and during questioning. You are entitled to free legal advice regardless of your means. This article explains what to do, what to say, and why early legal advice is essential.

Solemn procedure applies to the most serious criminal cases in Scotland and involves a jury trial either in the Sheriff Court or the High Court of Justiciary. The rules of evidence and procedure are more complex than in summary cases. We explain the stages of a solemn case from first appearance to verdict.

Obtaining access to third-party records (such as medical and social work records) is a critical part of preparing a defence in sexual offence cases. Recent decisions by the Scottish courts have clarified the procedure under Section 275A of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. We outline the current position and the practical steps involved.

Where bail is refused by the Sheriff Court, there is a right of appeal to the High Court of Justiciary. Such appeals must be lodged quickly and require compelling grounds. We explain the procedure, the test applied by the appeal court, and how to present the strongest possible case for release.