Business Details
31 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Criminal Defence Solicitors Edinburgh
Established in 1995, we are a leading criminal defence law firm with offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Our team specialises exclusively in criminal law, representing clients in Justice of the Peace Courts, Sheriff Courts, and the High Court across Scotland. With over 30 years of combined experience among our partners, we provide expert legal representation for cases ranging from minor traffic offences to serious prosecutions including murder, fraud, and organised crime.Our solicitors hold rights of audience in the High Court, ensuring comprehensive legal support at all judicial levels. We prioritise client care, offering free initial consultations and tailored advice on legal aid eligibility. Our reputation for professionalism and dedication has been built through decades of successful case outcomes and client testimonials.
Services
Criminal Defence
Appeals
Assault Cases
Drug Offences
Road Traffic Offences
Fraud Investigations
Domestic Incidents
Firearms Cases
Extradition Proceedings
Serious Crime Representation
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in criminal defence law
- Our solicitors hold rights of audience in the High Court
- Free initial consultation with legal aid eligibility assessment
- Offices in Edinburgh and Scottish Borders serving nationwide
- Client-focused approach with proven case outcomes
What people say
Professional and dedicated team
Excellent communication throughout
Successfully reduced charges
Thorough case preparation
Accessible 24/7 support
Services
Criminal Defence
We provide specialist criminal defence services across Scotland for cases involving serious crime, road traffic offences, and regulatory breaches. Our solicitors offer immediate legal support and strategic case preparation to protect client interests. With extensive courtroom experience, we ensure robust defence strategies tailored to individual circumstances.
High Court Representation
Our solicitors advocate in Scotland's High Court for complex cases including murder, fraud, and organised crime. We combine legal expertise with courtroom experience to challenge evidence and secure favourable outcomes. Clients benefit from our partners' rights of audience in the High Court and decades of trial experience.
Legal Aid Advice
We offer free initial consultations to assess legal aid eligibility and explain funding options. Our team guides clients through the application process with the Scottish Legal Aid Board. We require income and capital documentation to determine eligibility for publicly funded cases.
Appeals Service
We handle appeals against convictions and sentencing in Sheriff and High Courts. Our solicitors identify grounds for appeal based on legal errors or new evidence. We provide strategic advice on appeal prospects and representation throughout the process.
Road Traffic Offences
We defend clients facing motoring offences including speeding, drink driving, and exceptional hardship claims. Our solicitors negotiate with prosecutors and present mitigation to reduce penalties. We specialise in complex cases requiring expert legal argumentation.
People
Dave Allan
Solicitor Advocate (Partner)
Founding partner with over 30 years' criminal defence experience. Qualified as Solicitor Advocate with High Court rights. Handles serious crime cases including murder and fraud. Known for thorough preparation and courtroom effectiveness.
Mark Harrower
Partner
Experienced defence solicitor with 30+ years in Lothian and Borders courts. Recognised for dedicated client representation across all criminal case types. Builds strong client relationships through proactive case management and clear communication.
Ross Dow
Partner
Galashiels-based solicitor with extensive trial experience since 1999. Regularly instructed in complex Sheriff and High Court cases. Focuses on achieving practical solutions for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Mat Patrick
Partner
Borders office solicitor specialising in Scots criminal law. Explains complex legal matters clearly to clients. Handles high-stakes prosecutions with focus on mitigating consequences through strategic defence planning.
Ed Hulme
Partner
Joined firm in 2018 with decade of criminal defence experience. Specialises in Sheriff and Jury trials with strong success record. Known for meticulous case preparation and calm client approach.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We exclusively practice criminal law, handling cases from minor traffic offences to serious High Court prosecutions including murder, fraud, and drug trafficking.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
We assess legal aid eligibility during free initial consultations. The Scottish Legal Aid Board considers case complexity and financial circumstances when granting public funding.
How experienced is your team?
Our partners have over 30 years' combined experience in criminal defence. We regularly appear in all Scottish courts, including the High Court where our solicitors hold rights of audience.
Are you available outside office hours?
Yes, our emergency contact line operates 24/7 for urgent legal matters requiring immediate attention from our criminal defence team.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate from Edinburgh and Scottish Borders offices but represent clients nationwide, including Central Belt, Fife, Highlands and Islands.
What happens at the initial consultation?
The free first meeting assesses your case details, explains legal options, and determines legal aid eligibility. Please bring income/capital documentation if seeking funded representation.
