Business Details
28 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defence Lawyers in Livingston
Keegan Smith Defence Lawyers is a multi-award-winning criminal defence practice serving Livingston, Lothians, and Central Scotland. Established in 1998 by Iain H B Smith and Jim Keegan QC, our firm combines decades of legal expertise with a trauma-informed approach to client care. We specialise in criminal law and road traffic cases, representing clients in all Scottish courts including the High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. Our team holds memberships with the Law Society of Scotland and the West Lothian Bar Association, and we are registered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to provide legal assistance. Recognised as Herald Scottish Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2021 and Scottish Legal Awards Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2022, we maintain a reputation for excellence through our dynamic, client-centred approach.Our lawyers, including partner Darryl Lovie with over 25 years' experience, are committed to protecting client interests through rigorous case preparation and advocacy. We offer 24/7 emergency legal support and provide free initial consultations to ensure accessible justice. Our trauma-informed practice acknowledges adverse childhood experiences, and we actively contribute to criminal justice reform through initiatives like the West Lothian Adverse Childhood Experiences Hub. With offices in Cairngorm House, Almondvale Boulevard, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining deep local roots in West Lothian.
Services
Criminal Law
Road Traffic Cases
Police Station Call Outs
Human Rights Issues
Legal Aid
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency legal representation and police station call-outs
- Our trauma-informed approach addresses adverse childhood experiences in legal contexts
- Award-winning firm: Herald Scottish Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2021
- Partners with combined 50+ years' experience in Scottish criminal law
- Free initial consultation for all new cases
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of Scotland
- West Lothian Bar Association
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
What people say
Very professional
Highly recommended
Excellent work
Compassionate solicitors
Gold stars
Services
Criminal Law
We provide comprehensive criminal defence representation in all Scottish courts. Our experienced solicitors handle cases ranging from minor offences to high-profile trials. With specialist knowledge of Scottish legal procedures and a client-centred approach, we protect your rights through meticulous case preparation and skilled courtroom advocacy.
Road Traffic Cases
Specialist representation for motoring offences including drink driving, speeding, and licence disqualifications. We challenge evidence and identify defences to protect your livelihood. Our expertise in road traffic law helps clients maintain driving privileges and avoid employment-impacting penalties.
Police Station Call Outs
24/7 legal support for police station attendances across Scotland. We provide immediate telephone consultation and physical representation during police interviews. Our trauma-informed approach ensures your rights are protected during detention or questioning processes.
Human Rights Issues
We address legal matters involving human rights protections within criminal cases. Our trauma-informed practice advocates for fair treatment in court proceedings, particularly for clients with adverse childhood experiences, ensuring dignity and respect throughout the justice process.
Legal Aid
Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board to provide funded legal services. We help eligible clients access quality representation for criminal charges and road traffic matters. Our team guides clients through the legal aid application process to ensure affordable justice.
People
Iain H B Smith
Partner
Specialist criminal lawyer with 30 years' experience. Formed Keegan Smith in 1998 after qualifying in 1993. Recognised as Scottish Lawyer of the Year 2020 and trauma-informed legal practice pioneer. Leads high-profile court cases and advocates for judicial reform.
Darryl Lovie
Partner
Experienced criminal defence solicitor with 25+ years in Scottish courts. Known for formidable trial record and advocacy skills. Specialises in complex case strategies and client-focused representation, maintaining strong professional reputation across legal circles in Scotland.
Questions
What areas do you cover for criminal defence cases?
We provide legal representation across Scotland, including Livingston, Lothians, Central Scotland, West Lothian, and Edinburgh courts.
Do you offer emergency legal assistance?
Yes, we provide 24/7 police station call-outs and emergency legal support across Scotland with immediate telephone consultation available.
Can you handle both legal aid and private cases?
We accept both Legal Aid work and private client instructions, ensuring accessible legal representation for all clients.
What makes your firm different from other solicitors?
We combine decades of experience with a trauma-informed approach, holding multiple industry awards and maintaining a strong record of successful case outcomes.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide a free first interview within 24 hours for all new cases to discuss your legal options and requirements.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our partners have over 50 combined years of experience in Scottish criminal law, with specialist expertise in both courtroom advocacy and case preparation.
