Categories > Legal

top-criminal-defence-dundee-banner

Top 5 Criminal Defence Solicitors in Dundee Who Know the Courts Inside Out

Qualifications – The team should have proper expertise, credentials, and knowledge of current laws and the legal system.

Process and representation – We assessed firms using an effective procedure, considering consultation, litigation, document processing assistance, and other matters.

Client support – It’s crucial for the firm to provide support before, during, and after the case to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Price – We listed firms with reasonable rates, considering their flat rates, processing fees, and representation fees.

Who would’ve thought a once-in-a-blue-moon hangout would end up at West Bell Street Police Station instead of the next nightclub? I definitely didn’t. Turns out it was one of those nights when the designated driver forgot the entire job description: don’t drink, don’t speed.

We were all a bit dazed, so helping while he was getting booked wasn’t exactly easy. Thankfully, another friend knew a lawyer and managed to get them down to the station fast.

That experience is exactly why my team and I reviewed the best criminal defence solicitors in Dundee to help when you’re in a sudden pinch or facing something more serious. Keep reading to find out which firm might be right for you. 

1. Duncan and McConnell Solicitors

duncan-and-mcconnell-solicitors-logo

Services: Criminal defence, family law, employment law, road traffic offence

Address: First Floor, 6 Panmure St

Contact Details: +44 1382 225823

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM – 5 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.7/5
Review Solicitors score4.8/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.8/5
Qualifications5/5
Process and representation5/5
Processing assistance5/5
Representation and results 5/5
Client support4.5/5
Responsiveness5/5
Availability 4/5
Price (A higher score means better value)5/5

You can easily feel a sense of confidence in choosing Duncan and McConnell Solicitors, given that the firm is recognised as Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2023 and a winner in the Courier Business Awards 2025. It shows peer recognition and a strong reputation in the industry.

We’re glad that they defend all criminal cases, from minor charges to serious allegations, so that you can get comprehensive support no matter the severity of the offence. 

Their experience with driving-related cases is also worth noting. For instance, they’re good at navigating masters like Special Reasons and Exceptional Hardship arguments, which is crucial if you’re trying to keep your licence or reduce penalties. 

Now, while they’re closed on weekends, you can still rely on their 24/7 availability for urgent legal help, especially if you need assistance at a police station or before court deadlines. 

Lastly, we like that they offer flexible appointments, so you can meet them in person, via telephone, or via virtual meetings.

Pros

  • Recognised criminal defence services 
  • Wide range of criminal defence expertise 
  • Impressive road traffic experience  
  • 24/7 availability for urgent cases 
  • Flexible appointments 
  • Covers Dundee, Forfar, and Perth courts

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Got the best possible outcome 

“Engaged this firm due to excellent reputation and I was not disappointed. They got the best possible outcome for me and kept me updated at all times. Very personable and easy to discuss matters with. Thanks again”

– Karola barlow, Google Review

Managed to get the case dropped 

“I was represented by Douglas and he explained everything in great detail about the court proceedings and managed to get the case dropped for me. Highly recommend”

– Gerald Nyakura, Google Review

2. J Myles & Co Solicitors

j-myles-co-solicitors-logo

Services: Criminal defence, family law, civil litigation, wills and executries, conveyancing

Address: 7-9 S Tay St

Contact Details: +44 1382 204625

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Facebook reviews score 5/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 4.8/6
Qualifications5/5
Process and representation5/5
Processing assistance5/5
Representation and results 5/5
Client support4.5/5
Responsiveness5/5
Availability 4/5
Price (A higher score means better value)5/5

With over two decades of legal experience, J Myles & Co Solicitors has gained a deep familiarity with Scottish criminal law and local court systems. In other words, their solicitors can better spot nuanced issues and points that can affect the outcome of your case. 

That kind of know-how can turn the odds in your favour, so it’s nice that they handle a broad range of criminal matters, such as theft, fraud, and violent crimes. 

It’s also a plus that they can help you with issues beyond criminal defence. You see, they provide legal services for property, wills and family, which means if your case overlaps with these areas, they can still provide you with reliable guidance and litigation procedures.

Just note that they’re closed on weekends, so plan if you have a busy weekday schedule. On the bright side, you can opt to meet them through consultations over the telephone, email, and other virtual means to help you get started faster.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of experience 
  • Handles a broad range of criminal matters
  • Offers in-person and virtual consultations 
  • Supportive beyond criminal defence 

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Very knowledgeable and efficient 

“A very knowledgeable and efficient team. I felt comfortable from start to finish. Highly recommend!”

– James Galbraith, Google Review

Helpful and informative

“Very helpful and informative, can’t do enough for you”

– Jim Simpson, Google Review

3. Thorntons Solicitors

thorntons-solicitors-logo

Services: Criminal defence services, dispute resolution and claims, employment law, family law, immigration law and visas, personal injury, professional negligence, residential property, wills, trusts and succession planning

Address: Whitehall House, 33 Yeaman Shore

Contact Details: +44 1382 229111

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.3/5
Review Solicitors score4.8/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.6/5
Qualifications5/5
Process and representation4.5/5
Processing assistance5/5
Representation and results 4.5/5
Client support4/5
Responsiveness4.5/5
Availability 4/5
Price (A higher score means better value)3/5

We like that Thorntons Solicitors’ criminal defence team regularly represents clients in Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts, and can even prepare cases involving advocates for High Court matters. This highlights that their team can anticipate legal challenges and adapt to changes. 

You get end-to-end legal services, which we find crucial. They can assist you in dealing with police interviews through plea planning and court appearances, positively influencing how your case progresses and what options you have.

It’s worth mentioning that their expertise covers a wide range of criminal cases, like routine motoring offences, theft, drug charges, financial crime, and violent offences. 

The catch? They generally charge based on hourly rates, which can feel hefty, especially when they add up for complex or lengthy cases.

Still, we can’t deny their skills in understanding your situation and coming up with a solid game plan in a short period of time.

Pros

  • Has extensive Scottish court exposure
  • Comprehensive legal processing 
  • Practical road traffic expertise

Cons

  • Rates can be pricey
  • Primarily private instruction; may not accept summary Legal Aid

Everything went smoothly 

“Would really recommend Thorntons. From the get go they were professional, efficient and competent. Everything went smoothly and as planned. Thank you”

– Alma Piotrowicz, Google Review

First-class service 

“First class service from Jacqueline Henderson at Thorntons. Would most certainly recommend.”

– Sandra Wright, Google Review

4. Anika Jethwa Solicitors

anika-jethwa-solicitors-logo

Services: Criminal defence, children and juvenile law, road traffic law

Address: 7 W Bell St

Contact Details: +44 1382 223399

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.3/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 5/5
Qualifications5/5
Process and representation4.5/5
Processing assistance4.5/5
Representation and results 4.5/5
Client support4/5
Responsiveness4/5
Availability 4/5
Price (A higher score means better value)5/5

It’s reassuring to know that Anika Jethwa Solicitors is a well-established firm with nearly 20 years of experience, particularly with criminal court work. In fact, Anika is one of the most prominent female defence solicitors in Scotland!

Speaking of court, we find it handy that they provide criminal defence representation at all court levels, including Justice of the Peace Courts, Sheriff Courts, and High Court appeals. This coverage means you can continue to have them even if your case escalates through the courts.

Another thing that caught our attention is that they also handle family and juvenile cases, such as contact disputes or child panels.

Their 24/7 hotline for emergency police station support is a big win, too. With their availability, you can call on legal help no matter when you are detained or need urgent advice.

Here’s the thing, though: we noticed some inconsistencies with their responsiveness and urgency in addressing concerns. On a positive note, thanks to their convenient location, it’s easier to walk from the main court and police HQ.

Pros

  • Court representation at all levels
  • Convenient location
  • Handles family and juvenile cases
  • 24/7 emergency police station support

Cons

  • Can improve urgency of addressing concerns

Goes above and beyond

“Anika is the only solicitor I would think to go to in Dundee. She’s the best of the best, great court presence and goes above and beyond for her clients. I couldn’t recommend her anymore.”

– Bruno Khan, Google Review

Awesome service

“Awesome service, worth the time, very professional with the help given, lovely ladies in the office and they communicate very well with clients.”

– Jason Oosthuizen, Google Review

5. Caird Vaughan Solicitors

caird-vaughan-solicitors-logo

Services: Criminal defence, family law, road traffic law

Address: 1 Bank St

Contact Details: +44 1382 229399

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.2/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 5/5
Qualifications5/5
Process and representation4.5/5
Processing assistance5/5
Representation and results 4/5
Client support4/5
Responsiveness4/5
Availability 4/5
Price (A higher score means better value)4/5

Caird Vaughan Solicitors has more than 20 years of experience in areas like criminal law, civil, family, and road traffic law. And we noticed how seasoned expertise can become a trump card, especially in picking up procedural patterns in local courts for better strategies. 

One of their highlights is their comprehensive assistance with a full range of road traffic laws. Think speeding, careless or dangerous driving, drink/drug driving, police station support, and court and appeal stages—you can rely on them for positive licensing or penalty outcomes.  

That said, we love that you can reach them during emergencies, since they offer round-the-clock support, particularly for police station interviews. 

On the other hand, we feel a bit iffy after noting some concerns regarding their slow responses, like unanswered calls and emails. 

But hey, we do like that their location is incredibly accessible and also close to Dundee courts, making it easier to meet them in person or prepare for legal planning before hearings.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of experience 
  • Office location close to Dundee courts
  • Comprehensive motoring offence support 
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Accepts Legal Aid

Cons

  • Some reports of slow responses
  • Rates can be pricey

Brilliant support from start to finish 

“Brilliant support from start to finish. Every bit of detailed covered and explained perfectly to understand. Couldn’t recommend enough!”

– R C, Google Review

Knows what he’s doing 

“Couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Mr Caird to represent me. Professional and definitely knows what he’s doing. Highly recommended!!!”

– Sarah Harris, Google Review

Related topics