Charged by Indictment or Received a Criminal Citation in Scotland?
If you have received a criminal citation or been charged by indictment in Scotland, you are facing serious criminal proceedings that require immediate expert legal advice. Beltrami & Co are experienced criminal defence solicitors with a proven track record representing clients at every stage of criminal proceedings across Scotland.
Acting quickly is essential. Whether you are facing summary procedure in the Sheriff Court or solemn procedure on indictment, our team will ensure you understand your rights and options from the outset.
What is a Criminal Citation in Scotland?
A criminal citation is a formal document requiring you to appear in court to answer a criminal charge. Citations are typically used in summary procedure cases — less serious offences heard by a Sheriff or Justice of the Peace without a jury. You may receive a citation by post or directly from a police officer.
Receiving a citation does not mean you are automatically guilty of anything. You have the right to legal representation, and it is important to instruct a solicitor as soon as possible so that your defence can be properly prepared before your first diet.
What Does Charged by Indictment Mean?
Being charged by indictment means you are facing solemn procedure — the more serious category of criminal proceedings in Scotland. Indictment cases are heard in the Sheriff Court or the High Court of Justiciary and involve a jury trial. Common indictment charges include serious assault, sexual offences, drug supply, fraud, and murder.
The indictment sets out the charges against you in detail. There will be a first diet (a preliminary hearing) before the main trial. At every stage, you need an experienced solicitor advising and representing you.
Summary vs Solemn Procedure in Scotland
Scottish criminal procedure divides cases into two main categories:
- Summary procedure: Less serious offences dealt with without a jury. You receive a citation to appear. Cases are heard in the Sheriff Court or Justice of the Peace Court.
- Solemn procedure: More serious offences dealt with on indictment before a jury. Cases are heard in the Sheriff Court (Sheriff and jury) or the High Court of Justiciary.
The maximum sentence available depends on which procedure applies and which court hears your case. In the High Court on indictment, there is no limit on the sentence that can be imposed for the most serious offences.
How Beltrami & Co Can Help
Beltrami & Co are one of Scotland's leading criminal defence firms, with decades of experience defending clients in citation and indictment cases at all levels of court. We will:
- Advise you on the charges and what they mean for you
- Review the Crown's evidence and identify weaknesses in their case
- Represent you at first diets, intermediate diets, and trial
- Negotiate with the Crown where appropriate
- Instruct expert witnesses and counsel where required
- Fight to achieve the best possible outcome for you
We represent clients across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and throughout Scotland.
Contact Beltrami & Co Today
If you have received a criminal citation or been charged by indictment, do not delay. Contact Beltrami & Co now for expert criminal defence advice.
Call us on 0141 890 5555 — we are available to take your call and can arrange an urgent consultation.
