Criminal Defence
McGovern Reid provides professional, friendly legal advice and criminal defence representation in courts across Scotland.
With more than 30 years of experience, our criminal defence lawyers are trusted by clients throughout Lanarkshire and beyond.
Our Criminal Defence Services
Facing a criminal offence can be one of the most stressful experiences a person goes through. McGovern Reid supports you from the first contact with the police through to the conclusion of your court case. Our criminal defence solicitors represent clients in a wide range of criminal cases across Scotland’s Sheriff Courts and the High Court of Justiciary.
Assault
If you have been involved in a physical altercation, such as a fight or scuffle, and another person has been injured, you may face an assault charge. Seeking expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity gives your criminal defence lawyer the best foundation to build a strong defence.
Fraud, Theft & Embezzlement
Allegations involving fraud, theft and embezzlement can have serious personal and professional consequences. At McGovern Reid, we regularly defend clients facing financial crime allegations and have built a strong track record in this area of criminal law.
Sexual Offences
We represent individuals who have been charged with a sexual offence, either in the High Court of Justiciary or in the Sheriff Court. These cases require sensitive handling and a thorough understanding of criminal proceedings. We have a proven track record of getting results in cases which seemed hopeless.
Elite Representation For Elite Clients
We advise business professionals, company directors, and high-net-worth individuals when reputation and livelihood are at stake, offering discreet, strategic defence tailored to complex cases.
Breach of the Peace
Breach of the peace charges, including contraventions of section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, require prompt legal action. Our defence team will review the evidence, explain court proceedings and advise you before your first appearance. We have unrivalled experience in defending these sorts of offences.
Domestic Offences
McGovern Reid are specialist domestic violence and abuse lawyers, and this is an area where we have particular depth of experience. If you have been charged with a domestic offence under Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, including domestic assault, our criminal solicitors will handle your case with sensitivity and discretion.
Stalking
McGovern Reid regularly defends accused persons charged with a contravention of section 39(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin working through the evidence and considering every available line of defence.
Police Interview/Warrants
Your rights to legal representation at a police station are among the most important you have during court proceedings. McGovern Reid can represent you or your loved ones when in police custody or where an arrest warrant has been issued. We ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Drug Offences
McGovern Reid are experts in criminal defence and specialise in helping individuals accused of a wide range of drug offences. We assist individuals accused of a wide range of drug-related charges, with a clear focus on understanding your circumstances and building the strongest defence. Drug opffences in Scotland are primarily prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, particularly Sections 4, 5 and 6, which govern possession, supply, production and cultivation of controlled drugs.
Court Citations & Bail Undertaking
If you have received a court citation or bail undertaking, McGovern Reid will advise you on the specifics of the charge against you. Your first appearance is known as a pleading diet, where you will be asked to enter a plea, and we will be there to advise you at every stage. We look at any evidence provided, and explain the likely shape of your court hearings in plain, straightforward terms. Knowing what to expect before you attend makes a real difference.
Road Traffic Law
If you have been charged with a road traffic offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, including drink, drug or dangerous driving, the consequences can include disqualification, fines and in serious cases a custodial sentence. Contact McGovern Reid at the earliest opportunity so that your criminal defence lawyer can begin reviewing the evidence.
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Glasgow
If you are arrested and charged with a criminal offence, contact McGovern Reid immediately on 01698 359 550 or through our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
We have offices in Wishaw, Bellshill and Hamilton, which allow us to represent clients throughout Lanarkshire, including:
For the most serious criminal charges in the High Court of Justiciary, our criminal solicitors have the experience required.
According to the Scottish Government’s Criminal Proceedings Statistics, 79,173 people were prosecuted in Scottish courts in 2022-23. Many find the process difficult to navigate without proper assistance. McGovern Reid keeps communication clear and consistent, so you always know where your case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are facing criminal charges in Scotland and are unsure what to expect, the questions below cover the most common concerns. For anything not covered here, speak to a solicitor today, and we will be happy to help.
What should I do if I am arrested in Scotland?
If you are arrested or detained by the police in Scotland, you have the right to consult a solicitor before being questioned. You can request McGovern Reid by name at the police station.
Under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, police must give you a reasonable opportunity to obtain legal advice. You do not need to answer questions without a solicitor present. As a defendant in Scotland, the sooner you take legal advice, the better placed your solicitor is to act on your behalf.
How long do criminal proceedings take in Scotland?
The timescale depends on how it is prosecuted. In Scotland, criminal cases are dealt with under one of two procedures, which are summary or solemn.
Summary procedure covers less serious offences and is heard before a sheriff without a jury. These cases tend to move through the system more quickly.
Solemn procedure applies to more serious charges and involves a jury of 15 people. These cases take considerably longer to conclude.
For most clients, the process from first contact to conclusion runs to around six months on average, though this varies depending on the charges and the volume of evidence involved. After your first court appearance, the case is typically continued for around a month to allow the prosecution to disclose the evidence. You will then meet with your solicitor to review that evidence before a trial date is fixed, usually two to three months further down the line.
Summary cases can be resolved more quickly than solemn cases, which involve a jury and more serious charges. If you have received a court citation or are unsure what your first appearance involves, our guide to bail and bail undertakings explains what to expect.
McGovern Reid keeps you updated at every stage, so you are never left uncertain about where your case stands.
Will I have to go to a court hearing for a criminal offence?
Not all criminal matters proceed to a full trial. Some are resolved at an earlier stage, depending on:
The charges
The evidence
Discussions with the prosecution
The position taken by the prosecution
Your criminal defence solicitor will guide you on the realistic options at each stage, giving you a clear, honest assessment.
Can I get legal aid for criminal defence in Scotland?
Criminal legal aid is available in Scotland for those who qualify, administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board. In some situations, such as police station advice, you are entitled to free legal assistance regardless of means. We advise you on whether you are likely to qualify.
McGovern Reid Criminal Defence Lawyers
McGovern Reid has delivered criminal defence services across Scotland since 1991. Our expert solicitors combine courtroom experience with modern working methods, using analytical tools and clear communication to keep clients informed throughout their case.
The firm holds accreditations in mental health first aid and has experience in high-profile and sensitive crime cases. Our criminal lawyers take a personal approach to understanding your situation and protecting your interests. We work collaboratively with you, because the best result comes from a defence built on full information and open communication.
If you are arrested and charged with a criminal offence, you should contact or request that McGovern Reid be contacted immediately on 01698 359 550 or by using our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our criminal law solicitors are available to discuss your case and advise you on your rights.
Call us today – 01698 359 550