Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Paisley & Greenock
Established as one of Scotland's most accomplished criminal law practices, The Robert Kerr Partnership has built a reputation for excellence over decades. With bases in Paisley and Greenock, our team operates nationwide, providing expert legal representation in criminal defence, child law, and road traffic offences. Our solicitors are members of the Law Society of Scotland and accredited by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, ensuring clients receive both qualified and accessible legal support. We prioritise client rights through every stage of legal proceedings, from police station consultations to High Court representation. Our commitment to 24/7 availability reflects our understanding of the urgent nature of legal challenges. With over 100 years of combined experience, we combine traditional values with modern legal strategies to deliver successful outcomes.Our transparent fee structure and legal aid guidance demonstrate our dedication to making quality legal representation accessible. We actively support clients through stressful legal processes with clear communication and dedicated case management. Our proven track record includes successful defences in complex cases across all Scottish jurisdictions. Client testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to achieve positive results even in difficult circumstances. We maintain affiliations with specialist partners like John Gardner & Co. to ensure comprehensive legal coverage for children's hearings matters. Our approach combines technical legal expertise with practical client support, including court date reminders and custody visits.
Services
Criminal Defence
Child Law
Road Traffic Offences
Legal Aid Applications
Bail Undertakings
Police Station Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1919
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years combined experience in Scottish criminal law
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency legal advice and representation
- We manage legal aid applications for most criminal matters
- Proven success in complex cases at Scotland's highest courts
- Transparent fee structure with fixed pricing options available
Associations and certifications
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
- Law Society of Scotland
What people say
Excellent legal service
Professional and dedicated team
Successful case outcomes
24/7 availability
Clear communication
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service specialises in representing clients across all Scottish courts. We handle cases ranging from minor offences to complex High Court matters. Our solicitors provide 24/7 support, police station attendance, and court representation. With Scottish Legal Aid Board accreditation, we ensure accessible legal support for serious charges including murder, sexual offences, and drug crimes.
Child Law
We offer specialist legal support for children's hearings and family court matters. Our solicitors represent parents, guardians and children in cases involving social work departments and children's reporters. We handle protection orders, adoption proceedings and court referrals with particular expertise in maintaining family relationships during legal processes.
Road Traffic Offences
Our road traffic specialists defend clients facing driving bans and penalty points. We challenge evidence in cases involving dangerous driving, drink driving and totting up offences. With technical expertise in speed detection equipment and procedural law, we aim to preserve clients' driving privileges through court representation and negotiated settlements.
Legal Aid Applications
We manage legal aid applications for criminal and children's hearing cases. Our team explains eligibility criteria, prepares documentation and submits applications to the Scottish Legal Aid Board. We advise on financial requirements and payment plans for cases where legal aid isn't available.
Bail Undertakings
We assist clients released on bail conditions, explaining legal obligations and representing them at subsequent court appearances. Our solicitors advise on compliance requirements and potential variations to bail conditions while preparing defence strategies for upcoming trials.
People
James Arrol
Director
Experienced criminal defence solicitor with specialist accreditation from the Law Society of Scotland. Handles complex cases including serious assault and drug trafficking matters. Recognised for successful High Court defences and client-focused approach.
Ellen Macdonald
Director
Senior solicitor specialising in road traffic law and legal aid procedures. Provides expert guidance on driving offence defences and financial eligibility criteria. Known for technical knowledge of Scottish Legal Aid Board requirements.
John Gardener
Solicitor
Child law specialist with extensive experience in children's hearings and family court proceedings. Works closely with social work departments and children's reporters to protect family rights during legal processes.
Gemma Elder
Solicitor
Criminal defence solicitor handling cases from initial police interviews through to trial. Focuses on assault, domestic abuse and public order offences. Provides 24/7 client support and court representation.
Robert Kerr
Managing Director
Founding partner with decades of experience in Scottish criminal law. Oversees firm strategy while maintaining active court practice. Recognised for mentoring junior solicitors and complex case management.
Questions
What should I do if arrested in Scotland?
Contact our 24/7 helpline immediately to access free legal advice. We'll ensure your rights are protected during police interviews and court proceedings.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
Most criminal cases qualify for Scottish Legal Aid. Our team will guide you through the application process and explain financial eligibility criteria.
How do you handle road traffic offences?
Our specialist solicitors challenge evidence technically and negotiate to prevent licence disqualifications while minimising penalties for driving offences.
What happens at children's hearings?
We provide legal representation for parents and children, explaining procedures and safeguarding rights during children's reporter referrals and hearing processes.
Do you handle serious criminal cases?
Yes, we defend clients in Scotland's most serious cases including murder, sexual offences and major fraud at High Court level with proven success.
