Being investigated for a crime can be a daunting experience, whether you are ultimately charged in connection with an allegation or not.

You will require advice and support as soon as possible to guide you through the process, to protect you and your reputation.

Awarded Crime Team of the Year 2023 by the Legal 500, our Criminal and Regulatory Defence Team handles high profile and complicated criminal matters for both individuals and other legal entities.

We have experience in the full spectrum of criminal cases, including the most serious road traffic offences and high value financial cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

By having our skilled and experienced practitioners involved from the outset of a case, we can quickly identify the key legal issues and evidential considerations.

With cases that are often high profile and complex, BTO continues to be the firm of choice for discerning clients whose reputation demands effective and discrete handling of allegations, from investigation through to prosecution and appeals.

Our ranked team provides first class legal and technical skills and a bank of top tier solicitor advocates and former prosecutors whose reputation in the marketplace is long-established.

We also have a strong network of experts whom we can call upon when investigating cases on behalf of our clients.

How we can help

  • Assault
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape
    • Sexual assault
  • Breach of the peace
  • Culpable Homicide
  • Criminal offences
  • Fatal Accident Inquiries
  • Road traffic prosecutions
    • Careless Driving
    • Dangerous driving
    • Death by dangerous or careless driving
    • Driving on mobile phone
    • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Driving whilst disqualified
    • Driving without insurance
    • Speeding
  • Theft
  • Wildlife crimes & Environmental prosecutions

Why BTO?

Our team regularly represents professionals facing allegations made against them in the course of their employment, whether they are being investigated by Police Scotland or another Specialist Reporting Agency, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). This includes those working in regulated professions who find themselves before their professional body, such as the General Medical Council (GMC), as a result of the allegations.

We work closely with our Professional Discipline and Clinical Defence teams to provide a comprehensive service to guide professionals through these processes.

All of our team members have a solid criminal practice collectively spanning several decades. This enables us to provide skilled, strategic and case winning advice:

  • Team ranked Band 1 for Crime by Chambers UK
  • Alasdair Gillies ranked Band 1 for Crime by Chambers UK
  • Alasdair Gillies ranked Band 1 for Crime by The Legal 500 UK.
  • Alasdair Gillies ranked as a Leading Partner for Crime by The Legal 500 UK.
  • Lindsay MacNeill ranked Next Generation Partner for Crime by The Legal 500 UK.
  • Neil Macdonald ranked Leading Associate for Crime by The Legal 500 UK.

Our team includes Solicitor Advocates, including Criminal Solicitor Advocates, who can represent you in the highest courts of Scotland. This internal resource means that we rarely need to instruct external counsel and provide a comprehensive, cost-effective service.

Covering the whole of Scotland, attending Courts from Shetland to Stranraer.

Who we work with

  • Companies
  • Dentists
  • Lawyers
  • Medical Professionals
  • Managing Directors
  • Professional footballers
  • Teachers

Our fees

Get in touch with our team to discuss feeing arrangements.

What people say...

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