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Trusted Criminal & Corporate Defence Solicitors in Scotland
Paterson Bell Solicitors have been providing expert legal services across Central Scotland for many years. Our team of dedicated criminal defence and corporate defence solicitors specialises in representing clients in all courts, including the High Court, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. With offices in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy, we offer 24/7 support for clients facing criminal charges or corporate legal challenges.Our solicitors are registered to provide legal aid and also operate on a fixed-fee basis to ensure transparency. We pride ourselves on our excellent track record in defending high-profile cases and delivering impartial, confidential advice tailored to each client's needs. Our expertise extends to police station representation, court proceedings, and advisory services for businesses facing criminal allegations.
Services
Criminal Defence
Corporate Defence
Legal Aid Services
Court Representation
Police Station Advice
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 legal assistance for urgent criminal matters
- Our solicitors are registered to provide Legal Aid services
- Proven track record in High Court and Sheriff Court cases
- Dual office locations in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy for accessibility
- Specialist corporate crime defence for businesses and directors
Associations and certifications
- Legal Aid Scotland
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence solicitors provide expert legal support for clients facing charges in Scottish courts. We specialise in murder, assault, drug offences, and sexual allegations. With experience in High Court and Sheriff Court proceedings, we offer 24/7 police station attendance and court representation. Our team ensures clients understand their rights while developing strategic defences tailored to their specific cases.
Corporate Defence
We represent companies and directors facing corporate criminal allegations including fraud, health and safety breaches, and environmental offences. Our solicitors provide immediate support during police investigations and court proceedings. Specialising in corporate governance issues and regulatory compliance, we work to prevent prosecution through strategic legal advice while offering robust defence in court when necessary.
Legal Aid Services
As registered Legal Aid providers, we assist eligible clients with funded representation in criminal cases. Our team guides clients through the application process while maintaining the same high standard of service. For those not qualifying, we offer transparent fixed-fee arrangements. This dual approach ensures accessible legal support for all individuals facing criminal charges across Scotland.
Court Representation
Our solicitors appear in all Scottish courts including High Court, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. We provide continuous representation from initial hearings to appeals, focusing on minimising sentencing impacts and achieving case dismissals. With King's Counsel available for complex cases, we combine courtroom experience with strategic legal preparation to protect client interests throughout proceedings.
Police Station Advice
Available 24/7, our solicitors attend police stations across Scotland for suspect interviews and custody hearings. We ensure clients understand their rights during questioning while developing early defence strategies. This immediate intervention helps prevent self-incrimination and gathers crucial evidence for future court proceedings, forming the foundation for successful case outcomes.
People
Iain M Paterson
King's Counsel
LLB qualified with extensive criminal law experience, Iain leads complex cases and provides strategic legal direction. His career spans decades of high-profile defence work.
David Bell
Solicitor
Specialising in criminal defence, David offers practical legal solutions with over 15 years' experience in Scottish court proceedings and client representation.
Martin McGuire
Solicitor
Martin focuses on corporate crime defence, advising businesses on regulatory compliance and representing directors during investigations.
James McMackin
Solicitor
James handles serious criminal allegations, combining courtroom advocacy with strategic pre-trial legal preparation for optimal client outcomes.
Rebecca Capon
Criminal Appeals Manager
Rebecca specialises in appellate work, managing complex legal arguments to challenge convictions and sentencing in higher courts.
Questions
Do you offer 24/7 legal assistance?
Yes, our 24-hour legal helpline provides immediate support for arrests, police interviews, and urgent legal matters across Scotland.
Can I get Legal Aid for my case?
We assess eligibility for Legal Aid and guide clients through the application process, ensuring funded representation where available.
Which courts do you operate in?
We represent clients in all Scottish courts including High Court, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court locations.
Do you handle corporate criminal cases?
Yes, our team specialises in corporate defence matters including fraud investigations, regulatory breaches, and director liabilities.
Are your services available outside Scotland?
While based in Scotland, we assist clients facing charges in any Scottish court regardless of their location within the UK.
What payment options exist?
We offer Legal Aid where applicable and transparent fixed-fee arrangements for clients seeking cost certainty.
