Charles Ferguson Logo
Charles Ferguson Logo

Criminal Defence & Road Traffic Law Lawyers

Charles Ferguson Solicitors is a boutiqu criminal defence and road traffic law firm with offices in Hamilton (ML3 0DG) and Glasgow (G3 7QL), with over 40 years of combined practitioner experience. We focus exclusively on road traffic and criminal defence matters, providing expert, discreet representation for both privately funded and legal aid clients. We offer initial consultations to every prospective client. 

The Charles Ferguson Solicitor Team

Criminal Defence & Road Traffic Lawyers — Glasgow & Hamilton

We understand the personal and professional risks involved. Our clients include executives, business owners, and medical professionals who demand expert legal support, absolute discretion, and strategic guidance throughout the process. We provide tailored, robust, results-driven representation with meticulous preparation and complete confidentiality, drawing on years of experience as court practitioners in this specialist field.

Our mission is to protect your reputation, freedom, and future—discreetly and effectively.

With over 40 years of combined experience, we represent clients in Courts of all levels and regularly achieve positive outcomes, including persuading the prosecution to drop cases or negotiating reduced pleas to help clients retain their driving licences. When you are facing criminal charges or a road traffic prosecution, the solicitor you choose matters. Charles Ferguson Solicitors are solely criminal defence and road traffic law practitioners. These are exclusively our practice areas.

Over four decades of combined criminal defence and road traffic practice. Focused. Tenacious. Results driven.

We serve clients across the West, Central Belt and throughout Scotland from offices in Glasgow and Hamilton. A criminal charge can arrive without warning. You may be arrested at home, stopped by police in your vehicle, or receive a citation through the post. Whatever the circumstances, having an experienced defence solicitor on your side from the earliest possible moment can make the decisive difference to the outcome of your case.

Evidence can be challenged, procedures can be scrutinised, and defences can be identified that a general practitioner might overlook. We provide direct, professional and approachable support to anyone under investigation or facing prosecution.

We focus exclusively on road traffic and criminal defence, representing clients at all stages, including at the Police Station during Interview and detention and thereafter at any court proceedings.

We act without bias, and are committed to defending your rights, your reputation and your future. 


Two Core Areas of Expertise

Our practice is built around two specialist pillars: criminal defence and road traffic law. This focused approach means our solicitors develop deep expertise in the areas that matter most to our clients, rather than spreading their knowledge across dozens of unrelated practice areas. 

Criminal Defence

We defend clients charged with the full spectrum of criminal offences under Scots law, from summary matters heard in the Justice of the Peace Court to the most serious solemn cases prosecuted in the High Court of Justiciary. Our criminal defence work covers assault and violent offences, drug offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, domestic abuse charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, sexual offences under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, fraud and dishonesty, weapons and knife crime, and breach of the peace. We represent clients at every stage, from the police station to the courtroom, and we fight tenaciously for the best possible outcome in every case.

Road Traffic Law

Road traffic law is one of the most technically complex areas of Scottish legal practice, and it is also one of the most consequential for our clients. Losing your driving licence can mean losing your job, your business, and your independence. We provide specialist defence for drink driving and drug driving offences, dangerous and careless driving, speeding prosecutions, totting up and exceptional hardship applications, driving without insurance, and mobile phone offences. Scotland operates a lower drink drive limit than England and Wales — 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood compared to 80mg — which catches many people unaware and makes specialist Scottish representation essential.


Serving the West, Central belt & throughout Scotland

Serving the West, Central belt & throughout Scotland

Serving the West, Central belt & throughout Scotland

From our Hamilton office at 1 Barrack Street, ML3 0DG, we serve the towns of Hamilton, Motherwell, Wishaw, Airdrie, Coatbridge, Lanark, East Kilbride, and the wider Lanarkshire area. From our Glasgow office at 20-23 Woodside Place, G3 7QL, we serve Glasgow, Paisley, Greenock, Dumbarton, Clydebank, Ayr, Ayrshire and the surrounding communities as well as clients from across Scotland.

Contact us for an appointment at the most suitable office for you. 

Our solicitors appear regularly at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Glasgow Sheriff Court, Airdrie Sheriff Court, Lanark Sheriff Court, Ayr Sheriff Court, Paisley Sheriff Court, Dumbarton, Greenock Sheriff Court, and the High Court of Justiciary. 


24/7 Availability — Because Emergencies Don't Wait

24/7 Availability — Because Emergencies Don't Wait

24/7 Availability — Because Emergencies Don't Wait

Criminal emergencies do not happen during office hours. We provide for our clients a 24/7 Emergency Call out service and we will arrange attendance at the police station, provide immediate legal advice, and ensure your rights are protected from the moment of detention and if you are interviewed we can be in attendance with you. You must ask for ourselves at the police station you are taken to if you wish us to assist. 


Legal Aid & Private Fees

Legal Aid & Private Fees

Legal Aid & Private Fees

We believe that everyone charged with a criminal offence deserves the best possible defence, regardless of their financial circumstances. For privately funded clients we offer a system of block fees with staged payments being available.

We are also at Charles Ferguson Solicitors proud of our roots and for decades have provided legal assistance and advise to those who qualify for legal aid. In light of the Legal Aid system in Scotland in the 21st century, we now act on a legal aid basis solely for clients who are in receipt of state benefits and are unemployed. Please contact us for further details. 


Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation

We will provide clear, strategic advice and outline the most effective path forward. If you have been charged with a criminal or road traffic offence, or if you are under investigation and anticipate charges, contact us for an initial consultation. We will discuss your case, explain your options, and provide honest advice about the best course of action. 


The Charles Ferguson Solicitor Team
Testimonial

Facing a mandatory 6-month ban would have meant losing my business and my home. Jackson’s expertise in presenting an Exceptional Hardship case was second to none. He saved my licence and my livelihood. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Private Client

Road Traffic (Totting Up)

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most common questions.

The police want to interview me; should I attend without a lawyer?

No. You should never attend a police interview without legal representation. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, anything you say can be used in evidence. Our 24/7 team can attend with you.

Is legal advice at the police station free?

In most cases, yes. Under Scots Law, anyone being interviewed as a suspect at a police station is entitled to free legal advice, regardless of their financial circumstances.

What is the difference between Summary and Solemn procedure?

Summary cases are heard by a Sheriff or Justice of the Peace without a jury. Solemn cases involve more serious charges and are heard before a Sheriff or Judge and a jury of 15 people.

What happens after I am arrested in Scotland?

You may be released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date, or held in custody to appear "from the cells" on the next lawful day. We provide immediate representation for both scenarios.

Can you help with domestic abuse allegations?

Yes. We have extensive experience defending domestic-related charges. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and the impact of special bail conditions on your family life.

What should I do if I am served with a Summary Complaint?

Contact us immediately. This is a formal court document outlining the charges against you. We will review the evidence (the "disclosure") and advise on your plea and defence strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most common questions.

What legal services does Charles Ferguson Solicitors provide?

We represent clients solely in criminal defence and road traffic law. Our services range from police station representation and domestic offences to complex High Court cases and road traffic litigation across Scotland.

Where are your offices located?

We are strategically placed to serve clients in Glasgow, Hamilton, and throughout the Central Belt and across the West of Scotland. Our Glasgow office is located at 20- 23, Woodside Place, Glasgow G3 7QL and our Hamilton office is location at 3.11 , CoVault, 1 Barrack Street, Hamilton, ML3 0DG

Are you available for emergencies outside of office hours?

Criminal emergencies do not wait for Monday morning. Contact us on for Glasgow on 0141 345 5735 and Hamilton on 01698 285 885 or request our services at the Police Station by asking for a consultation with us when the police ask if you wish to speak to a lawyer.

Will I have to pay anything if I get Legal Aid?

You may be asked to pay a contribution depending on your income. We will explain any contribution at the outset.

How are fees structured?

An initial consultation fee secures priority appointments and is credited against total costs if you proceed. We provide transparent estimates based on the complexity of your case, with no hidden charges.

Can I switch my current solicitor to Charles Ferguson?

Yes. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you have the right to change solicitors. We frequently take over cases mid-proceedings to provide a more robust and proactive defence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most common questions.

What legal services does Charles Ferguson Solicitors provide?

We are specialists in criminal defence and road traffic law. Our services range from police station representation and domestic offences to complex High Court cases and road traffic litigation across Scotland.

Where are your offices located?

Our main office is in Hamilton (Lanarkshire), and we maintain a dedicated office in East Kilbride. We are strategically placed to serve clients in Glasgow, Motherwell, and throughout the West of Scotland.

Are you available for emergencies outside of office hours?

Criminal emergencies do not wait for Monday morning. If you or a family member is arrested at any time, call 01698 285 885. We will arrange solicitor attendance at the police station and ensure your rights are protected from the moment of detention.

Will I have to pay anything if I get Legal Aid?

You may be asked to pay a contribution depending on your income. We will explain any contribution at the outset.

How are fees structured?

An initial consultation fee secures priority appointments and is credited against total costs if you proceed. We provide transparent estimates based on the complexity of your case, with no hidden charges.

Can I switch my current solicitor to Charles Ferguson?

Yes. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you have the right to change solicitors. We frequently take over cases mid-proceedings to provide a more robust and proactive defence.

Limited availability as of

Apr 12

Book An Initial Consultation

Schedule an appointment and let Charles Ferguson Solicitors take care of your case today.

Limited availability as of

Apr 12

Book An Initial Consultation

Schedule an appointment and let Charles Ferguson Solicitors take care of your case today.

Limited availability as of

Apr 12

Book An Initial Consultation

Schedule an appointment and let Charles Ferguson Solicitors take care of your case today.