§ Practice Areas
Expert criminal
defence.
John Pryde & Company SSC advise and represent those accused of crimes across the full range of Scots criminal law. We are instructed in the High Court and Sheriff Courts of Scotland. Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
High Court
and Murder.
Scotland's High Court of Justiciary is the supreme criminal court. It handles the most serious matters, carrying the most significant penalties including life imprisonment. Instructing the right solicitor at the earliest stage is critical.
We work closely with advocate deputes and counsel from the point of first appearance, managing all stages of preparation to ensure the strongest possible defence is presented. Every case is assessed on its own facts. Evidence is scrutinised. Procedure is challenged wherever it falls below the required standard.
Matters we advise on
- Murder
- Culpable homicide
- Attempted murder
- Rape and attempted rape in the High Court
- Serious assault causing severe injury
- Robbery with aggravation
- Major drugs supply and importation
- Serious sexual offences
We advise from the point of arrest through to verdict. Where an appeal is required, we can advise on all available grounds.
Assault and
Breach of
the Peace.
Assault charges in Scotland range from a minor altercation to serious assault causing life-changing injury. Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 covers threatening or abusive behaviour and has become one of the most commonly prosecuted offences in the Scottish courts.
We advise and represent clients at every level, from summary proceedings in the Justice of the Peace Court to solemn procedure in the Sheriff Court and beyond. Whether the charge arises from a domestic situation, a public incident, or an allegation of serious assault, we assess the evidence carefully and construct the most effective defence available. Identification evidence, witness reliability, and procedural compliance are all scrutinised.
Matters we advise on
- Common assault
- Serious assault
- Domestic assault
- Assault to injury
- Assault to severe injury
- Section 38 threatening or abusive behaviour
- Breach of the peace
- Culpable and reckless conduct
Bail conditions in assault cases can be restrictive and we advise on bail at the earliest opportunity. Early instruction gives us the best chance to secure fair and proportionate conditions.
Robbery
and Theft.
Theft-related offences cover a wide range, from petty shoplifting to armed robbery carrying a significant custodial sentence. Whatever the nature of the charge, the quality of your representation matters.
Our solicitors have extensive experience in defending theft-related charges at all levels of the Scottish criminal courts. We scrutinise identification evidence, challenge witness accounts, examine CCTV and forensic evidence, and ensure every available defence is properly explored. In cases where conviction is likely, we present mitigation effectively to minimise the outcome.
Matters we advise on
- Theft
- Theft by housebreaking
- Robbery
- Attempted robbery
- Reset (receiving stolen goods)
- Shoplifting and retail theft
- Embezzlement by employee
- Aggravated theft
Road Traffic
Offences.
Road traffic convictions can have serious consequences for your livelihood, employment, and daily life. Disqualification, penalty points, and fines are all possible outcomes. Where a driving ban would cause exceptional hardship, we argue that case firmly.
We advise on the full range of road traffic matters prosecuted in Scotland. Our solicitors understand the technical requirements of road traffic law and regularly challenge the admissibility of evidential breath test results, speed detection evidence, and the procedural compliance of police stops and investigations. Our priority is to protect your driving licence and keep you on the road wherever the law allows.
Matters we advise on
- Drink driving (Section 5 Road Traffic Act 1988)
- Drug driving (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988)
- Dangerous driving
- Careless or inconsiderate driving
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Driving without insurance
- Driving while disqualified
- Totting up disqualification
- Failing to provide a specimen
If you have been charged with a road traffic offence, do not enter a plea before taking legal advice. Many technical defences are only available before a plea of guilty is entered.
Drugs
Offences.
Drugs charges carry serious consequences including lengthy imprisonment, civil recovery proceedings, and Drug Treatment and Testing Orders. The correct legal advice from the outset is essential.
Drugs cases frequently involve complex evidential questions around stop and search procedure, the admissibility of forensic evidence, and the sufficiency of the Crown's case on knowledge and intent. We scrutinise procedure and evidence at every stage, challenging anything that falls below the required legal standard. Where the search that produced the drugs was unlawful, the evidence may be inadmissible entirely.
Matters we advise on
- Possession of a controlled drug
- Possession with intent to supply
- Supply of a controlled drug
- Being concerned in the supply of drugs
- Production or cultivation
- Importation of controlled substances
- Permitting premises to be used for drug supply
- Drug dealing charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Civil Recovery Orders and Proceeds of Crime Act applications run alongside criminal proceedings. We advise on the criminal proceedings and can refer to specialist civil lawyers for asset recovery matters.
Fraud and
Embezzlement.
Financial crime cases are often complex, document-heavy, and long-running. They require careful case management, thorough preparation, and a solicitor with the experience to manage both the legal and practical demands of the case.
We provide rigorous defence for individuals and businesses accused of fraud, embezzlement, and economic crime. Our solicitors work methodically through documentary evidence, challenge the Crown's narrative, and where necessary instruct forensic accountants and other specialist experts. Financial crime cases are won or lost on the quality of preparation. We start that work from day one.
Matters we advise on
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Uttering (forgery and counterfeit documents)
- Tax fraud and evasion
- Benefit fraud
- Identity fraud
- Computer misuse offences
- Mortgage and banking fraud
Sexual
Offences.
Sexual offence cases require sensitive handling, absolute discretion, and highly experienced legal representation. An allegation alone carries significant personal and professional consequences. Early instruction is vital.
We advise clients from the point of police investigation, before any formal charge is made, through to trial. Sexual offence cases in Scotland often turn on credibility, the reliability of the complainer's account, and corroboration. We ensure all available evidence is properly investigated, all points of legal challenge are taken, and that you are fully informed at every stage of what is happening and why. All matters are handled with complete confidentiality.
Matters we advise on
- Rape and attempted rape
- Sexual assault
- Assault by penetration
- Indecent exposure
- Possession of indecent images
- Grooming and online sexual offences
- Historical sexual offences
- Voyeurism
If you are under investigation, do not speak to the police before taking legal advice. You have the right to have a solicitor present during any interview. Call us immediately on 0131 220 2160.
Appeals
and Agency.
For those who have been convicted, the process does not end at sentence. There are grounds on which convictions and sentences can be challenged. Understanding those grounds and acting on them promptly is essential.
We advise those convicted in the High Court, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court on their rights to appeal conviction and sentence. We also act as agent across Scotland, attending courts on behalf of clients and instructing solicitors elsewhere, ensuring you have representation wherever your case is called. Where cases raise potential miscarriage of justice issues, we advise on referral to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Services we provide
- Note of appeal against conviction
- Note of appeal against sentence
- Bill of Suspension
- Stated case from summary proceedings
- Post-conviction applications
- Acting as agent in courts throughout Scotland
- Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission referrals
There are strict time limits for lodging appeals. If you believe your conviction or sentence was wrong, contact us as soon as possible. Delay can close off options that would otherwise be available.
§ Legal Aid
Legal Aid.
I
Scottish Legal Aid Board
We are registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board and are able to offer Criminal Legal Assistance to those who qualify. Legal Aid is available for criminal matters at the Sheriff Court, High Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. It covers the cost of your solicitor's fees and associated court costs.
II
Who qualifies
Criminal Legal Aid is means-tested. Eligibility depends on your financial circumstances. We will advise you at your first consultation whether you are likely to qualify and assist with the application. We aim to secure Legal Aid for all those who qualify. No one should face criminal proceedings without proper representation because of cost.
III
Free consultations
We provide a free initial consultation for all clients regardless of whether Legal Aid applies. At that consultation we assess your position, explain the process, and advise on your options. There is no obligation and no charge. Call us on 0131 220 2160 to arrange.
IV
Fixed fees
For those who do not qualify for Legal Aid, we offer competitive fixed fees agreed at the outset. You will know the cost of your case before we begin. No hourly rate surprises. We believe access to quality criminal defence should not be determined by financial circumstances alone.
§ Contact
Discretion is
Our Standard.
Address
1A Grindlay Street Court
Edinburgh EH3 9AR