Business Details
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services
Trusted Criminal Defence Lawyers Edinburgh
Established in Edinburgh, McSporrans Defence Lawyers specialises in criminal defence and legal aid services across Scotland. Our team of experienced solicitors provides expert legal representation for cases ranging from road traffic offences to serious criminal charges, operating under Scots Law. With over two decades of courtroom experience, including High Court advocacy, we offer 24/7 emergency legal support and free initial consultations. Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board, we assist clients in Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Livingston, and Kirkcaldy, ensuring accessibility to justice regardless of financial circumstances.Our practice combines deep legal expertise with client-focused service, maintaining strict confidentiality and offering tailored advice on defences, sentencing, and procedural matters. As members of the Law Society of Scotland, we uphold professional standards while providing practical solutions for both private and legally aided clients.
Services
Criminal Defence
Road Traffic Offences
Legal Aid Assistance
Police Station Representation
Courtroom Advocacy
Highlights and features
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal representation across Scotland
- Our solicitors have over 20 years' experience in Scottish courts
- We offer free initial consultations with legal aid eligibility checks
- Our team includes Solicitor-Advocates qualified for High Court cases
- We maintain daily court appearances in Edinburgh and surrounding areas
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of Scotland
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service provides expert legal representation for clients facing criminal charges across Scotland. We specialise in handling cases from initial police interviews through to court proceedings, offering strategic defence planning and advocacy in both summary and solemn procedures. Our solicitors have extensive experience in Scottish criminal law, including complex cases involving murder, sexual offences, and drug-related charges.
Road Traffic Offences
We offer specialist defence for all road traffic offences including drink driving, speeding, and dangerous driving charges. Our solicitors provide expert guidance on licence retention, penalty points, and court representation. With knowledge of both Scottish law and the Road Traffic Act 1988, we help clients navigate the legal consequences of motoring offences and potential disqualifications.
Legal Aid Assistance
Our legal aid service helps clients determine eligibility for publicly funded legal representation. We assist with applications to the Scottish Legal Aid Board, providing free initial assessments of financial circumstances. Whether clients are employed or unemployed, we guide them through the process of securing legal aid for criminal proceedings in sheriff courts and higher jurisdictions.
Emergency Representation
We provide immediate legal support for clients arrested or charged outside normal office hours. Available 24/7, our solicitors attend police stations and courts at any time to ensure clients' rights are protected during critical stages of investigation and prosecution. This service includes emergency bail applications and urgent court appearances.
Courtroom Advocacy
Our courtroom advocacy service covers all levels of Scottish criminal courts, from Justice of the Peace Courts to the High Court of Justiciary. We prepare comprehensive defence strategies, present mitigation pleas, and challenge evidence through experienced trial representation. Solicitor-Advocates within our team handle complex cases requiring specialist advocacy skills in jury trials.
People
Andrew Houston
Senior Partner
With over 20 years' experience in Scottish courts, Andrew Houston qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate in 2004. He specialises in high court criminal defence and was instrumental in changing sentencing discount practices. Andrew provides expert guidance on complex criminal cases and road traffic law.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence and road traffic law across Scotland, handling cases from minor offences to serious criminal charges in all court levels.
Do you offer 24/7 legal support?
Yes, our solicitors provide emergency legal representation at any time for arrests or urgent court appearances across Scotland.
Can I get legal aid assistance?
We help clients assess legal aid eligibility through the Scottish Legal Aid Board, offering free initial consultations regardless of financial circumstances.
Which locations do you serve?
Based in Edinburgh, we represent clients in Dunfermline, Livingston, Kirkcaldy and throughout Scotland for both private and legally aided cases.
What happens during a free initial consultation?
We'll discuss your case details, explain legal options, assess evidence, and advise on potential outcomes during this confidential, no-obligation meeting.
How experienced is your team?
Our solicitors have decades of combined experience appearing daily in Scottish courts, including High Court advocacy and complex criminal defence cases.
Reviews (4)
Darren Hannah
Nov 24, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Andrew/ andy was my lawyer for over a year he has done a fantastic job for me would highly recommend him
Andrew/ andy was my lawyer for over a year he has done a fantastic job for me would highly recommend him
Gavin Reid
May 07, 2021
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The best lawyer I have had before he went on to higher and a very intelligent man I would highly recommend Mr Ian mcsporran for any high court case , he done me very good when he was a lawyer at the sherif court , all the best in going to a QC and would get him to represent me if I was ever to go to a high cost thanks for all you have done for me Mr mcsporran in my past sherif court cases
Ricardo Silva
May 31, 2020
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After almost a decade in Scotland I had a big downturn on all aspects of my life and, as per Murphy's law, worst situations still to happen. Got some traffic charges after taking some bad choices and for the first time I had a case against me in court. I was worried, without knowing how the judicial system worked, contacted a few solicitors and as soon I spoke with Andy I had to have him taking care of my case. Was dealt swiftly, with professionalism and friendliness! Really 'fought in my corner' and took every worries I had, hope I don't need his services again but if anything happens I will contact
Douglas Dunbar
Jul 14, 2018
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Almost one year ago, I was unfortunate enough to be charged with 3 criminal offences. As someone who had not previously had dealings with the Court system or the Police in that context, it was a confusing and worrying time for both me and my family. I asked around my professional friends to recommend a competent and experienced criminal lawyer and McSporrans name came up on several occasions. My case had various complications such as vulnerable witness applications and was not straightforward in many respects. Nobody can guarantee the outcome in court proceedings but I have to say that throughout
