A charge of domestic abuse is a serious issue, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved. If you have been accused or charged with a domestic abuse offence, it is important you seek legal advice at the soonest opportunity.
Domestic Abuse in Scotland
Domestic violence comes in many forms and is considered in a much wider context nowadays than it has been at any other time. Aspects of control, e.g. control of access to money or preventing access to family or friends, and verbal abuse all come under the definition of domestic violence. It is important you know where you stand if you have been accused of domestic violence. Get in touch with our criminal defence solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Domestic violence is defined by the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal as:
"Any form of physical, sexual or mental and emotional abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship.”
"The relationship will be between partners (married, cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse can be committed in the home or elsewhere".
Domestic abuse situations can be tricky, as it can be both difficult to prove or disprove the various forms of domestic abuse, and early legal advice from an experienced domestic abuse solicitor is essential to ensure you have the best possible outcome. Domestic assaults and Breaches of the Peace are now prosecuted in specialist domestic violence courts; our solicitors will take care of everything for you from the preparation of a robust defence to representation in court.
Domestic Abuse FAQs
To read our guide on Domestic Abuse FAQs click here.
I’ve Been Charged with Domestic Abuse: What Next?
If you have been charged with domestic abuse, you may be granted bail, but it is likely the bail will contain special conditions. Special conditions may prevent you from contacting or approaching your partner and any children in the family. It is very often responsible members of society who have never encountered the criminal justice system are suddenly faced with a criminal charge of domestic abuse as a result of an argument or family disagreement. We understand this is a stressful time and we will work tirelessly to fight your corner.
Contact our Domestic Abuse Solicitors Kirkcaldy, Alloa, Dunfermline & Edinburgh
If you have been accused of domestic abuse, it’s important to act fast. Our domestic abuse solicitors can assist by discussing your options with you confidentially. We provide a fully comprehensive legal service from liaising with the police through to representing you in the sheriff court and the high court. We also have a highly qualified team of solicitor advocates who can represent you in the high court. We defend our clients in Alloa, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Methil, Perth, Stirling and throughout Scotland. Our legal firm is widely recognised as one of Scotland's leading criminal defence teams and will work hard to ensure you have the best possible outcome. Call our criminal defence lawyers for a free, initial consultation in Dunfermline on 01383 730 466, in Kirkcaldy on 01592 640 680, in Alloa on 01259 725 922 or make an online enquiry.