C&N Defence Lawyers are a team of qualified and experienced criminal defence solicitors based at our office in Edinburgh. We advise and represent those accused of crimes across the Lothians and beyond. Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Road traffic offences.
Road traffic convictions can have serious and far-reaching consequences for your livelihood, your employment, and your everyday life. Whether you face a driving ban, penalty points, or a fine, the right legal advice at the earliest stage can make all the difference.
C&N Defence Lawyers advise on the full range of road traffic matters. We understand the technical requirements of road traffic law and regularly challenge the admissibility of evidential breath test results, speed camera evidence, and the procedural compliance of police stops. Where a driving ban would cause exceptional hardship, we argue that case firmly. Our aim is to protect your licence and keep you on the road wherever the law allows.
Matters we advise on
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- 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
Do not enter a plea before taking legal advice. Many technical defences are only available before a plea of guilty is entered. Call us on 0131 557 1000.
Controlled drug offences.
Drug-related charges carry serious consequences including lengthy imprisonment, confiscation proceedings, and treatment and testing orders. The right legal advice from the point of arrest is essential.
Drug cases frequently involve complex evidential questions around stop and search procedure, the admissibility of forensic evidence, and the sufficiency of the case on knowledge and intent. C&N Defence Lawyers scrutinise procedure and evidence at every stage, challenging anything that falls below the required legal standard. Where a search that produced the drugs was unlawful, the evidence may be entirely inadmissible.
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
- Conspiracy to supply controlled drugs
Confiscation and proceeds of crime applications often run alongside criminal proceedings. We advise on the criminal matter and refer to specialists on asset recovery where needed.
Assault and violence.
Assault charges range from minor altercations to serious cases involving life-changing injury. Whatever the nature of the charge, early legal advice is vital. An assault conviction can affect your employment, your housing, and your personal life for years to come.
C&N Defence Lawyers advise and represent clients at every level of the criminal courts, from summary proceedings in the Justice of the Peace Court to solemn procedure in the Sheriff Court and the High Court of Justiciary. We assess the evidence carefully. Witness reliability, identification, and procedural compliance are all scrutinised, and we construct the most effective defence available on the facts.
Matters we advise on
- Common assault
- Serious assault
- Domestic assault
- Assault to injury
- Assault to severe injury
- Assault with aggravating circumstances
- Threatening or abusive behaviour
- Culpable and reckless conduct
Bail conditions in assault cases can be highly restrictive. Early instruction gives us the best opportunity to challenge disproportionate conditions at the bail hearing.
Theft and robbery.
Theft-related offences cover a wide spectrum, from shoplifting and minor deception to robbery and housebreaking. Whatever the nature of the charge, the quality of your legal representation matters.
C&N Defence Lawyers have extensive experience defending theft charges at all levels of the criminal courts. We scrutinise identification evidence, challenge witness accounts, examine CCTV and forensic material, and ensure every available defence is properly investigated. In cases where conviction is likely, we present mitigation effectively to secure the best possible outcome.
Matters we advise on
- Theft
- Theft by housebreaking
- Robbery
- Attempted robbery
- Shoplifting and retail theft
- Embezzlement
- Receiving stolen goods
If you have been charged and are unsure of your position, call us for a free initial advice before entering any plea.
Serious sexual offences.
Sexual offence cases require sensitive handling, absolute discretion, and highly experienced legal representation. An allegation alone can carry severe personal, professional, and social consequences. Early instruction is essential.
C&N Defence Lawyers advise clients from the point of police investigation, before any formal charge is made, through to trial. These cases often turn on credibility, the reliability of witness accounts, and corroboration. We ensure all available evidence is properly investigated and that you are fully informed at every stage of the process. 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
- Sexual communication offences
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 557 1000.
Public order offences.
Public order offences are among the most commonly prosecuted matters in the criminal courts. An accusation of threatening behaviour can arise from a single moment of confrontation and carry lasting consequences for your reputation and your liberty.
C&N Defence Lawyers advise and represent clients facing public order charges at every level, from summary proceedings in the Justice of the Peace Court through to the Sheriff Court. We scrutinise witness evidence, examine CCTV footage, and challenge the case wherever the legal standard has not been met. Identification, the reliability of witness accounts, and procedural compliance are all carefully assessed.
Matters we advise on
- Breach of the peace
- Threatening or abusive behaviour
- Threatening communications
- Racially aggravated conduct
- Stalking and harassment
- Disorder at licensed premises
If you have been charged with a public order offence, call us before making any further statement to the police. Early advice protects your position.
Fraud and dishonesty.
Fraud and benefit fraud allegations are among the most serious criminal matters prosecuted. They frequently involve complex legal and evidential issues, and the consequences of conviction, including imprisonment and financial penalties, can be severe.
C&N Defence Lawyers advise those accused of fraud offences at all stages, from investigation through to trial. These cases often involve extensive documentary evidence, expert financial analysis, and confiscation proceedings running alongside criminal charges. We work methodically through the evidence to construct a rigorous defence.
Matters we advise on
- Fraud
- Benefit fraud
- Identity fraud
- Forgery and counterfeit documents
- Embezzlement
- Computer misuse and online fraud
- Associated confiscation proceedings
Fraud prosecutions frequently overlap with civil recovery proceedings. We advise on the criminal matter and refer to specialists on the civil aspects where required.
Legal aid and funding.
C&N Defence Lawyers are registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board and are committed to ensuring that everyone facing criminal charges has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances.
We advise on legal aid eligibility at your first consultation. We apply to the Scottish Legal Aid Board on your behalf and aim to secure criminal legal assistance for all those who qualify. For those who do not qualify, we offer competitive fixed fees agreed at the outset so you know the cost of your defence before we begin. No one should face criminal proceedings without proper representation because of cost.
What we can provide
- Advice and assistance, including duty solicitor cover at the police station
- Assistance by way of representation
- Criminal legal aid for solemn proceedings
- Criminal legal aid for summary proceedings
- Police station assistance, 24hr
- Fixed fees for those not qualifying for legal aid
If you are facing criminal charges and need our support, call 0131 557 1000.
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