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Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Inverness
Craig Wood Solicitors is a specialist criminal law firm based in Inverness, dedicated to providing meticulous legal defence across Scotland. With over 80 years of combined experience, our team handles cases ranging from minor Justice of the Peace Court matters to complex High Court trials, including fraud and murder. We pride ourselves on offering 24/7 legal support for clients in police custody, ensuring immediate access to expert representation. Our solicitors regularly appear in courts across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, and provide free initial consultations to all clients. We prioritise transparency in legal processes, advising on legal aid eligibility and maintaining a client-focused approach throughout every case.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful defences in high-profile and complex prosecutions. We serve clients in all criminal courts north of Scotland, combining local knowledge with national expertise to deliver tailored legal solutions. Our team includes Solicitor Advocates with Rights of Audience in the High Court, ensuring robust representation at every level. By maintaining a deep understanding of evolving criminal law, we provide strategic advocacy that safeguards clients' rights and interests. Our practice extends beyond court representation to include police station attendance, offering comprehensive support from the earliest stages of an investigation.
Services
Road Traffic Offences
Public Disorder Offences
Drugs Offences
Crimes of Violence
Firearms Offences
Sexual Assault
Cybercrime
Proceeds of Crime
Highlights and features
- We provide 24/7 legal support for clients in police custody.
- Our solicitors have over 80 years combined experience in criminal defence.
- We offer free initial consultations for all criminal charges.
- Our team includes Solicitor Advocates with High Court representation rights.
- We operate nationwide across Scottish criminal courts.
Services
Road Traffic Offences
We defend clients facing road traffic offences including speeding, drink driving, and motoring regulation breaches. Our solicitors provide strategic representation in court and police station attendances. With extensive experience in motoring law, we work to minimise penalties and protect clients' driving privileges.
Cybercrime
Our team handles cybercrime defence including hacking, fraud, and online misconduct cases. We provide expert legal guidance through complex digital investigations and court proceedings. With specialist knowledge of evolving cyber legislation, we protect clients' rights in both domestic and cross-border cases.
Firearms Offences
We defend clients charged with firearms possession, licensing breaches, and related offences. Our solicitors combine technical legal knowledge with court experience to challenge evidence and negotiate outcomes. We represent clients in both summary and solemn proceedings across Scotland.
Proceeds of Crime
Our firm advises on Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigations and confiscation orders. We provide representation in restraint proceedings and asset seizure cases. With expertise in financial crime law, we protect legitimate assets while addressing complex legal challenges.
Sexual Assault
We provide sensitive yet robust defence for sexual assault allegations including rape and assault charges. Our solicitors ensure thorough evidence examination and procedural compliance. We offer 24/7 support while maintaining client confidentiality throughout these serious proceedings.
People
John Maccoll
Solicitor
John Maccoll, a local Inverness solicitor, has over 25 years' experience in criminal law. He represents clients in all court levels, from Justice of the Peace Courts to High Court trials, specialising in complex prosecutions.
Shahid Latif
Solicitor Advocate
Shahid Latif, a Solicitor Advocate with High Court rights, has defended high-profile cases including cybercrime and terrorism. He was part of the Lockerbie bombing conviction team and has contributed to Scots Criminal Law development.
Rory Gowans
Solicitor
Rory Gowans specialises in criminal defence with experience in all court levels. A Notary Public and former commercial lawyer, he brings strategic insight to complex cases while maintaining local community connections.
Clare Russell
Solicitor Advocate
Clare Russell, admitted as a Solicitor Advocate in 2022, represents clients in High Court trials. With expertise in solemn proceedings and Notary Public qualifications, she provides comprehensive defence strategies for serious criminal charges.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate nationwide across Scotland, regularly appearing in Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen High Courts, with police station attendance available throughout the country.
Do you offer 24/7 legal support?
Yes, we provide a 24-hour, 365-day service for clients in police custody, with solicitors available outside normal business hours to ensure immediate legal representation.
Can I get legal aid?
We offer free initial consultations to assess legal aid eligibility based on charge severity, custody status, and plea intentions during your first meeting with our solicitors.
What types of cases do you handle?
We defend all criminal charges including road traffic offences, cybercrime, sexual assault, firearms offences, and proceeds of crime cases, from minor summary offences to High Court trials.
How are fees structured?
Fees are agreed in advance through fixed fee arrangements or hourly rates depending on case complexity. We provide transparent cost discussions during initial consultations.
Reviews (3)
Andy Duncan
Dec 31, 2020
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Got some banging legal advice from John McCall of Craig wood solicitors, he is an absolute BADMAN went for my interview with the po po, played it like he said n walked away no charges boom
Victoria Mackenzie
Dec 11, 2019
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Sarcastic woman Louise on phone, antagonistic process, wouldn't waste time - extremely rude! They pick up so much legal aid work they have forgotten general etiquette #joke #unhelpful #arrogant... I spoke to quite a few solicitors in the area, please don't settle for this firm there are others that are good, ive had same reports about telephone staff too, not just me then
Angel White
Nov 30, 2019
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Private not like the Civil legal aid office Inverness .Colin Forbes works with the other side .Soon the court of session .
